Autumn Gathering 2024

The 2024 Autumn Gathering took place in Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh from Friday 1st to Sunday 3rd November 2024.

Friday evening saw over 300 Scottish country dancers arrive for the evening dance, kicking off the Autumn Gathering weekend in style.  

The programme for the evening was compiled by International Branch with music provided by Gordon Shand and his Scottish Dance Band. Dances included Farewell To Balfour Road, Culla Bay, The Orchards Of Co Armagh and The Deil Amang The Tailors. 

On Saturday morning, attendees gathered for an informal Meet the Board session in Hall 1 to discuss issues, ask questions and share ideas directly with members of the Management Board. Members of the Management Board, the Executive Team and Committee convenors were present and with the event open to all members, not just delegates, it offered a great opportunity to get together. 

An optional dance class followed this session, led by Rachel Shankland, accompanied by Muriel Johnstone.

Following a lunchtime break, and a lunch for the 2024 Scroll of Honour recipients, the 95th Annual General Meeting of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society got underway at 2.30pm.

Chair William Williamson, Chair-Elect Gary Coull, Treasurer Lizzy Conder and Chief Operating Officer Jon Berridge made their way into Hall 1, led by a piper. The AGM provided a summary of the Society’s activities over the previous year and you can watch the full recording on our You Tube channel. 

Treasurer Lizzy Conder presented a report on the Society’s financial situation. More details of the accounts can be found in the Trustees Annual Report and Accounts.  

After delegates cast their votes online, the following candidates were elected to the Memberships Services and Education and Training committees:

Membership Services – Susan MacFadyen and Beatrix Wepner were elected for 3 years, Niall Bootland and Paul McKnight were elected for 2 years and Katharine Hoskyn and Deborah Crossley were elected for 1 year. 

Education and Training - Abbie Brown, David Queen and Fiona Grant were elected for 3 years and Deirdre MacCuish Bark was elected for 2 years.  Graham Donald becomes Convenor Elect with no election required. 

Management Board – Carlos (Charly) Candia and Christopher Smith join the Management Board for a term of three years. No election was required. 

Youth Services Committee – Emma Sellke and William Thomson join YSC for a term of three years. No election was required. 

Following on from the election results, William Williamson confirmed Gary Coull as the new Chair of the Society.  Gary proceeded to announce the recipients of the 2024 Scroll of Honour.

Frank Thomson, nominated by Aberdeen Branch

Brian Charlton, nominated by Sydney Branch

Eilean Yates, nominated by Carolinas Branch

Brian Charlton was presented with his Scroll by his local Branch at their Dance Around the World event on 23rd November; William Williamson presented Frank Thomson and Eilean Yates their scrolls at the AGM.  Congratulations to all recipients.

A wine reception was held from 7pm on the Saturday evening prior to the Ball getting underway.  Attendees enjoyed a demonstration from Edinburgh Branch's adult and children's demonstration teams.  Their medley celebrated 100 years of Edinburgh Branch with dances from their recently released Centenary book of 14 new dances and music along with some old favourites.  You can read more about the demonstration here 

Edinburgh Branch demonstration

The winners of the 2024 Virtual Festival were announced by outgoing Youth Services Convenor Philippa McKee.  Commendations were awarded to Oxford University and Lyon Branch.  Winner of the Book 53 category was Belfast Branch, with Central Germany Branch taking home the overall winners’ trophy, together with the mantle of Peoples’ Choice winner for 2024. 

The programme for the Ball was devised by Edinburgh Branch who chose a programme to honour Centenary.   The band for the evening was Jim Lindsay and his Scottish Dance Band. A varied programme included dances Miss Allie Anderson, The Water of Leith, Bill Clement MBE and The Duke & Duchess of Edinburgh.

On Sunday morning, attendees were welcomed to a workshop featuring discussions on ‘Strategies to broaden participation with walking classes’, led by Eilean Yates (MB Member and Carolinas Branch Vice-Chair, USA), plus ‘Will you come back next week?’ explored by William Williamson (RSCDS Chair 2022-2024)  Huge thanks to all that took part. 

The final event of the weekend was a dance class led by Faye McNeill with music by Adam Brady.

We would like to thank all the RSCDS members, the Autumn Gathering working group, teachers and musicians, RSCDS staff and Meadowbank Stadium staff for organising such a brilliant event that was enjoyed by hundreds of dancers, musicians, teachers and delegates. 

A date for your diaries - we look forward to seeing you next year at Kelvin Hall in Glasgow from 7 – 9th November 2025.