Kildonan Sands

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 4 Progressive Wheels:
 Ladies LH across, Men RH across on sides, 1s dancing down middle followed by 2s+3s to begin. Finish 1s in centre 2nd place, 2s in 1st place, 3s in 3rd place
5- 8 1s dance down between 3s, 1M followed by 1L casts up round 3M into centre, 1s nearer hands joined (brief) face Ladies' side
9-12 1M+2s dance LH across while 1L+3s dance RH across
13-16 1s dance out of Ladies' side, cast (1M up, 1L down) and dance into 2nd place opposite sides. 1L faces up, 1M down
17-24 1s set to 1st corners, set to partners, set to 2nd corners, 1s turn LH ¾ to end 1M between 3s, 1L between 2s, facing 1st corners
25-32 LSh Reels of 3 across. 1s finish in centre, own side, facing down. 3s dance up sides to 2nd place (face up) while 1s dance down and curve into 3rd place facing up

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagram

Kildonan Sands - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

There are many places called Kildonan, however Kildonan on the Isle of Arran is known for its sandy beach, which stretches along the village and is a rare geological feature on Arran, where rocky shores are more common.

It falls within the parish of Kilmory. The name originates from Saint Donan, who is believed to be buried in the village. Historically, Kildonan Castle played a central role in the community. Initially a royal residence, the castle changed ownership among Scottish nobles before coming under the possession of the Hamilton family in 1544, when they held the title of Earls of Arran. The castle was later attacked and burned by the Earl of Sussex around 1558, and its ruins remain visible today.

The first church built in Kildonan was The Free Church, which could accommodate 700 people. Over time, the United Free Church gained prominence in the village, but services continued in The Free Church until its closure in 1940.

The village developed from a few small buildings, with farming being the primary occupation of its early residents. Overlooking the islands of Pladda and Ailsa Craig, Kildonan remains a small but active community. The village hall, which opened in 1915, serves as a local gathering place.

Kildonan has seen changes in its local economy over the years. The village once had multiple hotels, but only the Kildonan Hotel remains operational. The Breadalbane Hotel closed in 2009 and was partially demolished. A village shop, which also housed a bed and breakfast, has shut down, though the Post Office continues to operate. A smaller shop has since opened within the Kildonan Hotel. Southbank Farm Park, located near Kilmory, is no longer open to the public, but a woodturning studio now operates on the site. Kildonan was previously home to Arran's only coastguard station, which ceased operations in 1981 when services were relocated to Lamlash. (written 2025)

The Beach, Kildonan, Arran

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