Speed The Plough

Scottish Country Dance Instruction

1- 8 1s+2s dance RH across and LH back to places
9-16 1s lead down the middle and back to face 1st corners
17-24 1s set and turn 1st corners, set and turn 2nd corners (1s end in lines across Lady between 2s facing down and Man between 3s facing up)
25-32 1s set twice and turn 2H 1¼ times to own sides

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

Keith Rose's Crib Diagrams

Speed The Plough - Full Size And Key To Symbols

Dance Instruction Videos

Dance Information

The name has been carried forward in dance and music collections like Joseph Lowe's "Collection of Reels, Strathspeys, and Jigs" (1844-1845), further embedding it in Scottish cultural tradition.

The tune, "Speed the Plough", is a lively traditional tune whose composer also remains unclear. It was first documented in the late 18th century and became popular, appearing in sources across the British Isles and America.

The melody was first heard in English theatres, giving it an English association, though it has Irish influences. Early publications appeared in Dublin in the 1790s.

The expression "Speed the Plough" is an old saying that conveys a wish for success in farming and agriculture. It originated in rural Britain, where ploughing was vital to crop production. The phrase can be seen as a traditional blessing or encouragement for farmers, wishing them good fortune in their work. It has also been used more broadly to symbolize progress and industrious effort. The expression gained further recognition from its use as the title of a popular 18th-century British play by Thomas Morton, which focused on rural life and values.

Speed The Plough Crib - Before Minicrib

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