Scottish Country Dancing has a rich and inspiring story, shaped by people who were passionate about keeping it alive.
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) has been bringing people together through the joy of Scottish country dancing and music for over a century.
Our story began in the the Glasgow Athenaeum, now The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where two women with a shared goal took the first steps into creating what we now know as the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. The goal was to preserve the dances, music and traditions they loved, and pass them on for others to enjoy. What started with the publication of a single book of dances quickly grew into something much bigger—a movement that continues to connect people across the world today.
Rooted in tradition, shaped over time
Scottish Country Dancing grew from the country dances of the 17th century, especially the popular “longways” sets danced in lines. Over time, it developed its own distinct Scottish style.
As it evolved, it drew inspiration from other dance forms, including reels, strathspeys, jigs, quadrilles and waltzes. This created a rich and varied style that combines energy, elegance and attention to detail.
One of its defining features is the emphasis on footwork, which remains an important part of dancing today — adding both challenge and enjoyment.
While country dancing faded in many places, it continued to thrive in Scotland. Travelling dance teachers and musicians helped introduce new steps, music and ideas, keeping the tradition fresh and evolving.
Today, Scottish Country Dancing remains a vibrant and inclusive activity — one that welcomes everyone to take part, enjoy the music, and share in a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Wherever you are in the world, you’re invited to step in and Dance Scottish.
Meet the women behind the beginnings of the (Royal) Scottish Country Dance Society and get to know their stories.
Ysobel Stewart and Jean Milligan were from very different dance backgrounds. Ysobel Stewart had been taught the country dances as a young girl, participating in dances and events across the Argyllshire social scene. Jean Milligan’s interest lay in traditional dance, music and movement.
They both lived extraordinary lives; Mrs Stewart as the first secretary of the Society built a solid administrative foundation on which the Society grew, and Miss Milligan laid down the principles of teaching, technique and style for the dance which continue to the present day.
Find out more about the interesting lives they led by clicking their photographs below. All information is based on the meticulous research completed by Alastair MacFadyen and Florence Adams.
We are honoured that, in May 2024, His Majesty King Charles III graciously accepted Patronage of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
The RSCDS Archive is housed in the RSCDS Office at 12 Coates Crescent in Edinburgh. Much of the collection has been digitised and is freely available online for everyone. We keep a wide range of items related to the RSCDS and Scottish dance history, and visitors are welcome to visit the Archive by appointment.
