Selkirk Reel

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s dance Fig of 8 on own sides dancing between 2s to start
9-16 1s dance down for 3 bars, dance back to top and cast to 2nd place (2s step up 7-8). End 2s facing 1s on sides, couples nearer hands joined
17-24 1s form arch and dance up, 2s dance under. 1s+2s turn toward partner to change direction. Repeat arches and changes 3 more times, the couple in 2nd place making the arch
25-32 2s+1s dance R&L

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Selkirk Reel - Full Size And Key To Symbols

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Dance Information

Selkirk was once the county town of Selkirkshire and is one of the oldest Royal Burghs in the country. Its name, meaning "church by the hall", harks back to Old English roots. In the 12th century, Selkirk witnessed the establishment of the first Borders abbey, later granted significant land by King David I. Notably, William Wallace was declared the guardian of Scotland in Selkirk in 1297.

The town played a role in the Battle of Flodden in 1513, contributing 80 men, though only one returned bearing a captured English flag. During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Selkirk hosted the Royalist army led by James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose. The town witnessed a significant event in 1645 when a covenanting army attacked the royalist forces camped at Philiphaugh. Sir Walter Scott, the renowned novelist, served as sheriff-depute in Selkirk Town House during the early 19th century.

Selkirk experienced growth in the mid-19th century due to its woollen industry, although this industry declined in the 1970s. The town is also known for its bannocks, a type of dry fruit cake, which gained popularity after being sold in the market by local baker Robbie Douglas in 1859.

Selkirk

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