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

chairman@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

Chairman.Elect@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.

Neil Copland

Member

I previously spent 2 elected terms on the Board (2006-2009 and 2011-2014) and through my previous membership of the Finance & Governance Advisory Panel (from 2008-2018), I have extensive knowledge of how the RSCDS operates.

Trevor Clarke

Member

I have 12 years active involvement in Scottish Country Dancing in the NW Craven area. Having served a previous term on the Board, I believe I can make a positive contribution to the Society that will ensure its growth and development.

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.

Jon Berridge

Chief Operating Officer

jon.berridge@rscds.org

0131 220 1656

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

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

Oluf Olufsen

Member

With 46 years of SCD experience, from dancing socially as well as in competition/demonstration teams and teaching a weekly mixed class for many years, I am an active member of TAS (Teachers’ Association of Scotland).

Rachel Shankland

Member

I have considerable experience within the RSCDS. I was Summer School Depute Director 2017-18, have helped organise two Spring Flings and have served on Youth Services. I am currently part of the Scottish Schools and Scottish Step working groups and am also an RSCDS Tutor.

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

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.

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.

Ainslie Dunnett

Member

I have been a member of the RSCDS for 12 years, 6 as a qualified teacher, teaching classes and workshops in Cumbria. I have experience on Branch committees in Dumfries and North West Craven. I would like dancers everywhere to be able to have as much fun dancing as I do!

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.

Jeremy Hill

Member

Keith Rose

Member

I started dancing in the 1970s and for very many years I have served on the local committee in Bedford where I also run a weekly class. I have retired from computer programming and now spend much of my time drawing dance diagrams.

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.

Abigail Brown

Member

I am a fourth generation dancer, and have been dancing my entire life. Over the years, the Youth Services Committee has significantly impacted the experience children have with SCD and, having recently graduated myself, I would like us to build better links with university and college students.

Erica de Gannes

Member

As the RSCDS celebrates its centenary year in 2023, I want to ensure that the needs and priorities of young dancers form an important part of the Society’s strategic plan going forward. Scottish dance has been a tremendous force for good in my life, and I want to share that passion with other young people.

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.

Linda Williamson

Member

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.

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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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