Lochaber and Argyll Branches celebrate RSCDS Centenary

On Saturday 9th September 2023, dancers from the RSCDS local branches of Lochaber, Oban & Lorn, Mid Argyll, South Argyll, Islay and Helensburgh & District gathered in the Corran Halls, Oban to celebrate 100 years of the RSCDS. They were joined by many dancing friends from all over Scotland, England, Tasmania and USA.

158 dancers enjoyed a wine reception hosted by Provost Corry on behalf of Argyll & Bute Council. Dancers were delighted to welcome Marian Andersons’ band back to Oban for an evening’s dancing with some old favourites published 100 years ago along with more recently devised dances.

The current RSCDS Chairman, William Williamson and his wife Linda were our guests for the evening. While William has been visiting centenary celebrations worldwide, he was especially pleased to be in Oban as Mrs Ysobel Stewart ( nee Campbell) was one of the founders of the RSCDS. She was born just down the road in Inverneill House near Lochgilphead and married Major Ian Stewart of Appin and Fasnacloich.

The generosity of the dancers enabled our raffle to raise £565 for the Scottish Charity Air Ambulance, whose services are often used by patients and accident victims in our area. SCAA is celebrating it’s 10th Anniversary this year.