The Men Of Mey
Scottish Country Dance Instruction
THE MEN OF MEY (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Anne Parker Liverpool at 701- 8 1s+2s+3s set twice, all advance and retire
9-16 1s cross RH, cast, ½ turn RH and lead up to top place to finish facing each other in the centre. 2s step in on bars 15-16
17-24 1s+2s dance a Poussette
25-32 2s+1s+3s dance 6H round and back
(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)
Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams
Dance Information
The Men of Mey (also known as the Merry Men of Mey) refers to a tidal race, which is a powerful and fast-moving body of water formed by the movement of tides in specific geographical areas.In this case, the tidal race forms off St John's Point in Caithness, Scotland, near the Pentland Firth. Tidal races are often caused by water flowing through narrow channels or over underwater obstacles, leading to turbulent conditions and rapid currents. The Men of Mey tidal race is created as the waters of the Pentland Firth, a narrow strait between mainland Scotland and the Orkney Islands, interact with the complex underwater topography in the area.
This tidal race can be dangerous for ships and small vessels because the strong currents and turbulent waters make navigation difficult. The waters in the Pentland Firth are already known for having some of the fastest tidal currents in the world, and the Men of Mey adds to this natural challenge, along with the Swelkie, the Duncansby Race, and the Liddel Eddy.
The "rocks known as the Men of Mey" are a cluster of submerged or partially exposed rocks in this area. These rocks, located just off the coast, contribute to the formation of the tidal race by disturbing the flow of water, further intensifying the currents. Mariners have historically needed to be cautious when navigating near the Men of Mey because of the combined hazards of these rocks and the strong tides.

Men Of Mey, St John's Point
Dance information licensed under this Creative Commons Licence 3.0.
Text from this original Pentland Firth article on Wikipedia.
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