The Lindisfarne Strathspey

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 2s+3s dance RH across; 1s+2s also 3s+4s dance LH across
9-12 2s+3s dance RH across while 1M followed by 1L cast to 4th place own side and 4L followed by 4M cast up to 1st place own side
13-16 4s+2s also 3s+1s dance ½ LH across; 4s+1s cross LH so all on opposite sides. (2)(4)(1)(3)
17-32 The Lindisfarne Knot:
 1st place (2s) set, cross to 2nd place (no hands) facing out
 2nd place (4s) cast to 3rd place and cross down to 4th place (no hands) facing partner
 3rd place (1s) cross to 2nd place (no hands) and dance up to 1st place
 4th place (3s) set, cast up to 3rd place [only true casting is in 2nd/4th place at start of figure - other times just dance up or down outside set]
 Repeat from new positions 3 more times. 2413
Alternative version bars 17-32
17-20 2s+4s and 1s+3s circle 4H round to Left (or 4s/3s lead up between 2s/1s and cast back to place)
21-24 2s and 1s dance ½ Fig of 8 down round couples below
25-32 All dance 8 bars of the Lindisfarne Knot figure

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

The Lindisfarne Strathspey - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The island has a recorded history dating back to the 6th century AD and was a significant centre of Celtic Christianity, associated with Saints Aidan, Cuthbert, Eadfrith, and Eadberht of Lindisfarne. Initially home to a monastery, the island was devastated during the Viking invasions but was later re-established as a priory following the Norman Conquest of England.

Notable sites on the island include St Mary the Virgin parish church (originally built in AD 635 and restored in 1860), Lindisfarne Castle, several lighthouses and navigational markers, and an extensive network of lime kilns.

Today, the island is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and attracts visitors for its historical significance and birdwatching opportunities. As of February 2020, the island had three pubs, a hotel, a post office, and a museum.

Lindisfarne Castle

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