The Pentland Hills

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s turn 1½ RH to face down in middle in Allemande hold. 1s+2s dance down, cross below 3s, cast up on own sides. 213
9-12 2s+3s turn RH (2 bars) and set (nearer hands joined with partner) facing down/up while 1s cross RH, dance through 1st corner position casting to 2nd place own side (1L facing down, 1M facing up)
13-16 2s+1s+3s chase clockwise ½ way to opposite sides. Bars 15-16 1s turn RH to face 1st corner positions
17-24 1s dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 1st corners (position), 1s pass RSh, dance ½ diagonal reel of 4 with 2nd corners (position) Finish in 2nd place own side
25-32 2s+1s dance all-round (Diamond) Poussette

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

Dance Information

The earliest mention of the name is associated with the Pentland farm around 1050-1200, with its probable origin rooted in Brythonic elements 'pen' and 'llan,' denoting the Llan situated at the summit or head of the hills. Historical documents from the late 15th to mid-16th centuries refer to land transfers involving Pentlandmure and Pentland, which also detail neighboring parcels with recognizable names like Loganehous, Hilend, Boghall, and Mortounhall.

The term 'Muir' in Pentlandmure signifies communal grazing areas where the farm's livestock would be pastured during the summer months. Over time, the name became more specifically associated with the slopes of nearby hills, potentially including Allermuir, Woodhouselee, or Castlelaw.

It's worthy of note that the Pentland Hills bear no relation to the Pentland Firth in the northern part of Scotland.

The Pentland Hills

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