The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s cross RH, cast 1 place and dance ½ Figs of 8 (Lady round 2s and Man round 3s) to end 2nd place on own sides
9-16 1s dance reels of 3 on sides giving LSh to 3rd corner and ending in diagonal line RH joined and LH to 3rd corners
17-24 1s dance the Spoke - Balance-in-Line, 1s move clockwise to 2nd corner, repeat with 1st corner and 4th corner, 1s ending in 2nd place
25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round and back. 213

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

1 - 8 1st couple cross over giving right hand, cast off 1 place (2nd couple move up); 1st man dances a ½ figure of eight between 3rd couple and round 3rd man - while - 1st woman does the same between 2nd couple and round 2nd woman, to finish 1st couple in 2nd place on own sides.
9 - 16 1st couple dance reels of three on own sides with 2nd and 3rd couples, giving LEFT shoulder to the person on their LEFT to begin, i.e.: 1st and 2nd men pass left shoulder and 1st and 3rd women pass left shoulder, to finish 1st couple in a diagonal line RIGHT hand joined with partner and LEFT hand with partner's 1st corner. 2nd and 3rd couples turn the long way round to places.
17 - 24 Balance in line RIGHT ROUND or THE SPOKE (clockwise)
(Note: Everyone is dancing for 8 Pas de Basque steps. Only 1st couple move round, the other dancers set diagonally across the set when hands are not joined diagonally (1st couple may use skip change of step on last bar).)
1st couple retaining partner's RIGHT hand throughout,
- balance in line with partner's 1st corner,
- move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
- balance in line with 2nd corner,
- move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
- balance in line with 1st corner,
- move on a ¼ turn clockwise,
- balance in line with partner's 2nd corner,
- 1st couple drop hands and dance into 2nd place own sides.
25 - 32 2nd, 1st and 3rd couples dance six hands round to the left and back.

Repeat, having passed a couple.

(Dance crib compiled by the deviser, Aad L.M. Boode, Delft, 1994)

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

The Reel Of The Gordon Highlanders - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The present Regiment stems directly from the amalgamation, in 1881, of the 75th Stirlingshire Regiment and the 92nd (Highland) Regiment of Foot.
The 92nd, was raised in 1794 as the 100th (Highland) Regiment of Foot - known as the Gordon Highlanders - by Jean, Duchess of Gordon, at a time when Britain faced a war with Revolutionary France. It was renumbered 92nd in 1798.

The 75th was raised in 1787 as the 75th Highland Regiment - known as Abercromby's - in the county of Stirling to assist the East Indian Company. On amalgamation in 1881 the new Regiment was named "The Gordon Highlanders".

In September 1994 the Gordon Highlanders were amalgamated with the Queen's Own Highlanders to form a new regiment "The Highlanders".

Suggested music, The Reel of the Gordon Highlanders, composed by Pipe-Major Stuart D. Samson, arranged by Alastair C. Hunter.

(Dance information by the deviser, Aad L.M. Boode)

Gordon Highlanders Royal Guard Posing At Redford Calvary Barracks, 1961

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