The Isle Of Man Strathspey

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 All set facing partner and petronella turn (Ladies BtoB in centre, Men outside facing in); all set, change places with partner RH retain hands and Men join LH in centre
9-16 LH across ("double wheel") 2 places round ending Men BtoB in centre facing partner; All set, petronella turn to face partner
17-24 Interlocking RSh reels of 3, at end Ladies face out
25-32 Schiehallion reels to end 2 places round anticlockwise from start, facing partner

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

Dance Information

It is about 33 miles long and 13 miles wide, with an area of 221 square miles. The capital and largest town is Douglas, on the east coast. The resident population recorded in the 2021 census was 84,069.

The island has a central range of hills running from the south-west to the north-east. Snaefell is the highest point, reaching 621 metres above sea level. On a clear day, England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales can be seen from the summit.

The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency and is not part of the United Kingdom. The British monarch is the head of state and holds the title Lord of Mann. The United Kingdom is responsible for the island's defence and international representation.

The Manx parliament, Tynwald, consists of the House of Keys and the Legislative Council. Its annual open-air sitting is held at Tynwald Hill in St John's on 5 July, or on the following Monday when 5 July falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Acts passed by Tynwald are promulgated in Manx and English during the ceremony.

Manx, a Goidelic Celtic language related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic, is part of the island's linguistic history. Ned Maddrell, the last native speaker of Manx, died in 1974. The language is now taught and spoken by people who have learnt it through later language programmes.

The Isle of Man has its own currency, although Manx pounds are equal in value to pounds sterling. The island issues its own banknotes, coins and postage stamps. Manx vehicles carry registration marks using the letters MN, MAN or MANX.

The Isle of Man TT motorcycle races have been held on the island since 1907. The races use public roads, and the present Snaefell Mountain Course is 37.73 miles long.

The entire Isle of Man and its territorial sea were designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2016.

The Isle of Man, Coast Line Near Santon Head

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