People | Royal Scottish Country Dance Society

The RSCDS office-bearers and current office staff are listed below. To get in touch with an office-bearer, please email info@rscds.org and we will be happy to pass along your message. Current office staff, with areas of responsibility and email addresses, are provided below.

William Williamson

Chair

chair@rscds.org

As Chair, I aim to achieve a welcoming, inclusive and relevant organisation for the 21st Century as the Society celebrates its Centenary.

Gary Coull

Chair-Elect

ChairElect@rscds.org

As the RSCDS enters our centenary year it’s important that we capitalise on this momentous occasion to showcase Scottish country dancing to the world. I am a qualified RSCDS teacher of 9 years. I served as Branch Chairman during Banffshire’s 80th anniversary and have been a member of the RSCDS Management Board.

Lizzy Conder

Treasurer

treasurer@rscds.org

I am an experienced chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser with a strong background in charity, investment and commercial finance roles. I have been a member of Finance and Governance Advisory Panel (FGAP) since 2017 and served on the Youth Services Committee for two years. I am a qualified RSCDS teacher and a regular dancer.

Angela Young

Convenor of MS Committee

msc@rscds.org

Since becoming an RSCDS member, I have aimed to use my skills to fulfil Society objectives and feel that extensive SCD experience alongside professional knowledge give me the ideal credentials for this position.

Deb Lees

Convenor of E&T Committee

eandt@rscds.org

My core aim is to work in an integrated way with E&T committee members, Management Board, other committees and office staff to provide support and resources that will develop teachers and dancers at all levels.

Philippa McKee

Convenor of YS Committee

ysc@rscds.org

I have been Scottish Country Dancing for 30 years. I served on the Interim YSC in 2011 and am an active member of the Mid Argyll Branch. I am passionate about dance and its part in Scottish Culture and wanted to become more involved in the Society as I feel I have a contribution to make.

Stephen Hartley

Member

I have been active in country dancing, reeling and ceilidhs since 2018. I aim to increase the number of young members, promote the use of technology in delivering Society objectives, and ensure that our activities are fun, inclusive, and a safe space for all.

Helen McGinley

Member

I have danced in several different countries, been on various dance club committees, and currently share the planning and instruction at Dublin SCD Club, an affiliated group. I have a good knowledge of the workings of the RSCDS and served two terms on the Membership Services Committee.

Fiona Miller

Member

Having been born in Scotland, I am a lifelong Scottish country dancer. I am SCD teacher in Alberta, Canada, where I have lived for over 40 years. I am an RSCDS mentor, tutor and CTI instructor and love promoting the joy and benefits of Scottish country dancing for all ages.

Andrew Nolan

Member

I would like to support the Board in achieving the Society's strategic goals, particularly after Covid has had such an impact. I would like to be an advocate for live music within the Society, Branches and Affiliated Groups, and to find new ways of supporting musicians to play for SCD.

Simon Wales

Member

I have 35 years of membership of the RSCDS, most of them spent on the London Branch committee, and many years of experience as trustee of various voluntary and not for profit organisations.

Heather Cowan

Member

My goal is to help drive the strategic aims of the society ensuring that dancing is accessible to all ages, abilities and localities thereby promoting happiness and health and wellbeing benefits.
I have previously volunteered on affiliated groups, at branch level and through the running of Spring Fling.

Evelyn Redmond

Member

I have been a qualified teacher for over 30 years and have taught at all levels. I have also taught at Summer School and am now a CTI trainer. I have served on the Branch Committee for over ten years, among other things leading the Events Sub-committee. I believe that anything worth doing is worth doing well and that is my approach to SCD.

Eilean Yates

Member

For many years I was the Director of Scottish Country Dancing at both Loch Norman and Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. I would like to help achieve an organization where RSCDS feels more inclusive to Branches with different cultures that are far removed geographically from Scotland.

Clare Grycuk

Member

I have been Chairman of the Aberdeen Branch, danced in festivals and helped organise Spring Fling. I feel it is important to bring the views and suggestions of regular dancers to the Board and I would like to ensure that we have practical, workable plans in place to encourage and welcome dancers of all ages and abilities to the RSCDS.

Jon Berridge

Chief Operating Officer

jon.berridge@rscds.org

0131 220 1656

After 30 years overseas in New York, Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore and Vancouver, I moved back to the UK in 2014. I hold a master's degree in Non-Profit Management and have ten years of experience in senior management and board positions in the non-profit sector. I am delighted to be working with the wonderful team and dedicated volunteers at the RSCDS and I look forward to helping the Society grow.

Angela MacGregor

Receptionist

reception@rscds.org

0131 225 3854

Cécile Hascoët

Publications and Membership Officer

cecile.hascoet@rscds.org

0131 243 0761

I started my working career as a bookseller and then as a publishing assistant. I now enjoy my role here in retail and membership services. I manage the RSCDS shop, but also assist the Membership Services Committee and the Editorial team in their various projects. I also process Branch awards and membership renewals.

Sandra Parish

Finance Manager

sandra.parish@rscds.org

0131 243 0764

I am an ACCA affiliate, currently working towards becoming a Certified Accountant. As part of my diverse role I look after the day-to-day finances at the RSCDS, from dealing directly with suppliers, to the preparation and analysis of budgets and quarterly Management Accounts. I also administer funding applications for JMMF and the Development Fund.

Moira Thomson

Events Manager

moira.thomson@rscds.org

0131 243 0766

I am responsible for RSCDS event management including Summer School, Winter School, AGM and Spring Fling. I also currently support the Education and Training Committee.

Lyndsay Walker

Communications and Marketing Officer

lyndsay.walker@rscds.org

0131 225 3854

I am responsible for marketing and communications within the Society, including the Dance Scottish Together newsletters and the RSCDS social media platforms. I also support the Youth Services Committee.

Ewelina Juzwin

Graphic Design and Website Officer

ewelina.juzwin@rscds.org

0131 243 0765

I am responsible for the majority of graphic design work within the Society as well as overlooking our website. Additionally, I have a background in animation and illustration and I enjoy photography.

Vacant Role

Fundraising and Development Officer

jon.berridge@rscds.org

Please apply here:
https://applications.management/applynow/d66fc645968c0efd?t=40358c5a-18c8-4685-af7f-3062ded7b81c&s=RSCDSsocialmedia

Alan Macpherson

Honorary Archivist

archive@rscds.org

0131 243 0768

Alan Macpherson volunteers as the Honorary Archivist for the RSCDS.

Katie Haigh

Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer

cwpo@rscds.org

Katie Haigh volunteers as the RSCDS Child Wellbeing & Protection Officer. In her professional life she is a primary school teacher who has regular up to date training and experience in Child Wellbeing and Protection.

Education & Training Committee

Deb Lees

Convenor

I have previously been a member of the Education and Training Committee and I would like to build on that experience and play a part in the continuing development of the Society.

Amy Drysdale

Member

I aim to contribute to the ongoing advancement of Scottish country dance teaching, training and continuing development, particularly as we celebrate the RSCDS centenary and look to its future.

David Hall

Member

My aim is to pursue the challenge of combining an emphasis on social inclusion and enjoyment of Scottish country dancing (SCD) with the benefits of improving dancing standards more generally. I want to promote the teaching of technique within a social context and make SCD appealing to a wide diversity of people, notably encouraging young people

Ellie Briscoe

Member

I have taught workshops and local classes since 1982, tutored Teacher candidates since 1994, served as an Examiner since 2017, and am now a CTI Trainer as I continue to adapt to the Society’s changing needs.

Lorna Valentine

Member

I obtained my full teaching certificate in 2017 and taught at Summer School in 2019. I am currently leading on the Scottish Schools Working Group which aims to get Scottish Dancing back into all Scottish schools.

Graham Donald

Member

I have been involved with the RSCDS for over 40 years as a dancer, teacher, adjudicator and tutor in many branches around the world. I aim to enhance the enjoyment and knowledge of all dancers by providing materials which support the promotion of Scottish Country Dancing and preserve the heritage of dance and music.

Eilidh Garden

Member

Being on the E&T committee I want to do all that I can to make sure teachers feel supported by the RSCDS both while training and once qualified so that they are equipped to create inclusive and welcoming classes for a diverse range of learners.

Jim Stott

Schools Director

Gail Inglis

Member

I believe I have the skills of working and cooperating with people of all ages and backgrounds and I have experience of developing policies and strategies and putting them into practice. I would aim to promote and encourage people to become involved in healthy activity, to recognise the value of belonging to a group and the benefits of pursuing hobbies.

Membership Services Committee

Angela Young

Convenor

Since becoming an RSCDS member, I have aimed to use my skills to fulfil Society objectives and feel that extensive SCD experience alongside professional knowledge give me the ideal credentials for this position.

Jeremy Hill

Convenor Elect

Luke Brady

Music Director

music.director@rscds.org

A Dance Band Leader and Scottish Music Performer for over 20 years, I have also been a dedicated and active member of the RSCDS organisation at both Local and International level for over 15 years.

Julie Grainger

Member

I achieved my RSCDS Teaching certificate in August 2018 and teach adult classes of all abilities as well as teaching a class for children. I previously worked with the Membership Services Committee and contributed to the preparation of RSCDS publications.

Andrew Smith

Member

I have been a dancer, a teacher, and a musician for many years, but previous work commitments prevented me from participating at this level. Changing work circumstances, and the ability to participate virtually, mean I am now able to contribute to a committee of the Society, and I am eager to do so.

Youth Services Committee

Philippa McKee

Convenor

ysc@rscds.org

I have been Scottish Country Dancing for 30 years. I served on the Interim YSC in 2011 and am an active member of the Mid Argyll Branch. I am passionate about dance and its part in Scottish Culture and wanted to become more involved in the Society as I feel I have a contribution to make.

Linda Williamson

Convenor elect

I believe that my passion for, and knowledge of Scottish Country Dancing, as well as the experience I have gained in my professional career working with young people for many years will be of benefit to the Youth Services Committee.

Zoe Hill

Member

I want to be directly involved in the integration of young people in the Society’s future. As a Psychology student with an interest in Child Psychology, I am especially keen to create an environment where dancers of all ages can feel welcomed and encouraged, whether combining good technique with having fun or organising inclusive events.

Shona MacFadyen

Member

I feel it is important to encourage young people in to dancing and support them through the RSCDS Youth Services Committee by providing opportunities for them to meet and dance with other young dancers like them from all over the country and world.

Sarah Oswald

Member

Scottish music and country dancing has always been part of my life as my dad plays the accordion and has a dance band and my mum is a country dancer so I was taken to dances when I was in my pushchair! I believe that we need to get more young people involved if we are to keep Scottish dancing alive for many years to come.

Beth Fairbairn

Member

I will be supporting young dancers who are isolated in their area to make connections with others, and to encourage global connections between young dancers, either through events or virtually through social media. I would also like to encourage young musicians, and to provide more opportunities for young dancers to be involved in music-making.

Lucy Phillips

Member

I will be working to support branches in offering more children’s classes and improving adult class offerings to better welcome new young dancers; to advocate for more support for university groups, particularly to aid with travel to festivals and day school events; to encourage branches to allow children at events.

Elisabeth Witter

Member

Having danced all my life, I now have the pleasure of dancing with three generations in my family, and I am keen to share that joy as widely as possible. I want to help overcome barriers to entry, so that more people can join in, even if they are entirely new to dancing.

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There are 159 RSCDS Branches and over 300 Affiliated Groups in more than 50 countries around the world, located on all continents (except Antarctica).

They organise and run classes, dances and other social events in their own areas and are committed to helping develop Scottish Dance and Music for future generations.

We encourage you to try Scottish Country Dancing for yourself to see just how much fun it can be, so please come along and learn how to 'Dance Scottish'.

Wherever you are in the world there is most likely Scottish Country Dancing.

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