The Orkney Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 All change places with partner RH and set (Men facing out), all change places with partner RH and set (Ladies facing out)
9-24 All dance full Schiehallion Reels
25-28 Men dance LH across ½ way while Ladies chase clockwise 1 place to join RH with next Man and balance in a wheel formation
29-32 Men dance LH across ½ way while Ladies chase clockwise 1 place to join RH with next Man and change places RH
33-40 Repeat bars 25-32 with Ladies in centre and change places RH
41-56 Repeat bars 25-40 ending with Men BtoB facing own partner
57-60 All set and Men set turning to right 1 place clockwise while Ladies petronella turn to next place anticlockwise
61-64 Repeat to end facing partner opposite side
65-72 All turn RH (4 bars) to face anticlockwise in prom hold, all Promenade back to places
73-80 1s+3s dance Ladies' Chain
81-88 2s+4s dance Ladies' Chain
89-96 All circle 8H round and back

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

The Orkney Reel - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

The archipelago boasts a rich archaeological and historical legacy, with evidence of human settlement dating back to Neolithic times. Renowned for its well-preserved ancient sites, Orkney is home to numerous prehistoric structures, including the Skara Brae village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Skara Brae, discovered in the mid-19th century, is one of the best-preserved Neolithic villages in Europe. The site provides insights into the daily lives of its inhabitants around 5,000 years ago, showcasing a complex of stone-built structures with stone furniture and artifacts. This archaeological marvel highlights the advanced nature of Neolithic society in Orkney.

Another notable archaeological site is the Ring of Brodgar, a Neolithic stone circle and henge that forms part of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient ceremonial complex, dating from around 2500 BC, reflects the skill and precision of the Neolithic inhabitants in constructing monumental stone structures.

The historical significance of Orkney extends to its Norse heritage. The islands were under Norse rule from the 9th to the 15th century, and remnants of this era include the well-preserved Earl's and Bishop's Palaces in Kirkwall, the largest town and capital of Orkney. These structures showcase Norse architecture and provide a glimpse into the medieval governance and religious practices of the time.

In addition to its archaeological and historical prominence, Orkney is renowned for its natural beauty. The islands offer a diverse landscape, from rugged cliffs to fertile farmland. The coastal cliffs of Hoy, for instance, host some of the tallest sea stacks in Britain, contributing to the archipelago's appeal for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Stromness On The Mainland Is The Second Largest Settlement On Orkney

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