Anne McArthur awarded BEM
February 26, 2025
Anne McArthur Awarded BEM for Services to Scottish Country Dancing
The RSCDS is delighted to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievement of Anne McArthur, who has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the New Year’s Honours list for her services to Scottish country dancing and the community of Portsoy. This prestigious honour is a fitting tribute to Anne’s decades of dedication, leadership, and passion for dance.
Anne has been a guiding force in the Banffshire Branch for many years. She gained her RSCDS Full Certificate in 1972 and has since been an inspiring teacher, leading classes in Cullen, Banff, Portsoy and Fraserburgh. As a qualified medal tests adjudicator and a Highland dance teacher, Anne has nurtured generations of young dancers through her successful dance school in Portsoy. Her ability to engage and encourage children in Scottish country dancing has been invaluable, and her mentorship has also played a crucial role in supporting many adult dancers and teachers in Banffshire.
Anne has advocated for Scottish country dancing both locally and internationally and her leadership has left an indelible mark. Anne is a former Chairman and Secretary of the Banffshire Branch, she served as the Convener of the RSCDS Youth Services committee and was a member of the RSCDS Management Board.
Anne’s commitment to promoting the tradition has ensured that Banffshire holds a well-earned place in the RSCDS community. Under her chairmanship, the Banffshire Branch celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2004 by producing a book of locally devised dances. Thanks to Anne’s vision and dedication, the book was a tremendous success, reaching dancers as far away as New Zealand, the USA, and Japan. Two years later, she once again led the way in producing an accompanying CD, which has since become a cherished resource for dancers worldwide.
Throughout her dancing career, Anne has been known for her encouragement, inclusivity, and ability to bring people together. She has spent her life tirelessly promoting Scottish country dancing.
On behalf of the RSCDS, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Anne on this well-deserved honour. Her contribution to Scottish country dancing and the wider community has been truly exceptional, and we look forward to seeing her continue to inspire dancers for many years to come.
You can listen to Anne being interviewed on KCR 107.7FM by the Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Andrew Simpson, about her BEM
