Centenary message from the Chair of The RSCDS
November 26, 2023
Dear Friends,
On 26th November 1923, a group of people met in Glasgow to discuss the possibility of forming a Scottish Country Dance Society. Now, one hundred years on, we celebrate what is now the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society at this significant milestone in the history of our Society.
I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for your support over the years and everything you continue to do for the RSCDS and Scottish Country Dancing in general.
I hope, as we now look ahead, we will do so in the same spirit as our founders did, with optimism, enthusiasm and a determination to create opportunities for people to come together and enjoy this wonderful activity.
On Saturday 25th November 2023 the Management Board met in Glasgow and on Sunday there will be a special gathering at the old Athenaeum, now the Hard Rock Cafe, on Buchanan Street in Glasgow. A plaque commemorating the RSCDS Centenary and this important moment in the cultural history of Scotland will be unveiled.
A special edition of BBC Radio Scotland's Take The Floor aired last night and you can listen again on the BBC website and BBC Sounds.
Celebrating our centenary with a great session from David Oswald and his band and conversation with both myself and Chair-Elect Gary Coull as we provided some history on the Society, and shared how we have been celebrating this year with lots of branches and groups around the world. Joining us were guests from Canada and Australia, telling listeners about the international branches of the RSCDS and how Scottish country dancing has spread around the world.
I hope wherever you are in the world on this special day, 26th November, you will take a moment to raise a glass to your Society, The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and say ‘Well done everyone, here’s to many more years of dancing filled with happiness and fun.’
All the best,
William
