Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary

The Garry Strathspey

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

THE GARRY STRATHSPEY (S4x32) 4C set James B. Cosh 22 SCDs

1- 8 1s+2s and 3s+4s dance ½ R&L, 1s+4s (in centre) dance ½ R&L
9-16 2s+4s and 1s+3s circle 4H left ½ way, 2s+3s circle 4H right ½ way, 1s dance up to top and all face as for Reel of 4 on sides
17-24 All set Highland Schottische and dance ½ Grand Chain
25-32 All dance reel of 4 on sides. 2341

(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)


The Garry Strathspey
James B. Cosh 22 Scottish Country Dances (and 2 more)
Strathspey 4 x 32 bars 4 Couple Repeat 4 Couple Set Longwise Set

  1-4   1s2s 3s4s half rights and lefts;

  5-8   1s4s half rights and lefts;

  9-10 2s4s 1s3s four hands round to the left halfway;

11-12 2s3s four hands round to the right halfway;

13-16 1s lead to the top WHILE 4s3s2s wait for two bars and then step down, finishing 1s 3s facing down, 2s 4s facing up;

17-20 1M4M 1L4L 3M2M 3L2L set (Highland Schottische step);

21-24 all half grand chain;

25-32 2s3s4s1s reels of 4 on own sides.

(MAXICRIB. Scottish country dancing instructions compiled by Reuben Freemantle)


Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams


Dance Instruction Videos

The Garry Strathspey - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction Video

Dance Information

This strathspey was published around 1962.

It is said to be named after Gary Blair, son of Jimmy Blair, composer (with George Keegan) of Jigtime Polka.

The recommended tune is "The Jigtime Polka".

Jigtime Polka - Information Video

Garry Strathspey
"Couple Dansant La Polka" Charles Vernier (1831-1892), lithography, c. 1850


Image copyright Charles Vernier, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

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