Gypsy Glen

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 All set, 1s cross RH while 2s+3s dance RH across ½ way, all set and 2s cross RH while 1s+3s dance RH across ½ way
9-16 1s petronella turn into centre, set, petronella turn and set and end facing 2nd corner positions
17-24 1s dance pass and turn with 2nd corners ending with 1s advancing towards each other and turning right about to face 1st corner positions, pass and turn with 1st corners ending with 1s advancing towards each other and turning right about to BtoB position (Lady facing up, Man down)
25-32 1s dance reels of 3 across (Lady RSh to 3L and Man RSh to 2M to start) and 1s end passing LSh to 2nd places. 312

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Gypsy Glen - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Information

In earlier times, this quiet valley would have made a convenient resting point for cattle being herded along the old drove routes.

Before tackling the uphill stretch towards Yarrow, drovers and their livestock likely paused here to rest and graze. The location's sheltered setting and natural access made it a practical choice along the traditional journey through the Borders.

The drove road was a track along which cattle were moved from the Scottish Highlands to markets in England. Each drove would contain 100 to 1000 beasts and they and the drovers (often gypsy families) would travel 10 to 12 miles per day. Strangely (to us) the drove roads sometimes went over the tops of hills, rather than staying in the valleys; this was because good pasture was more important than avoiding steep hills.

The location for another dance by John Bowie Dickson, The Cuddy, is just over 1 mile (2 km) from Gypsy Glen, along Glen Road, suggesting John had a good knowledge of the Peebles area.

Descending Into Gypsy Glen

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