Winter School 2025

A truly Scottish experience

Taking place over five days in the Scottish town of Pitlochry, Winter School attracts around 150 dancers from the UK, continental Europe, North America and Australasia. Attendees enjoy a 4-star stay in the Atholl Palace Hotel, with a range of classes, social dances, tours and of course, the famous ball at Blair Castle. 

Find out more about the event and the area in our Winter School 2025 Brochure:

Winter School 2025 Brochure

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Fees

Accommodation will be provided at the luxurious 4* Atholl Palace hotel. The ticket price includes your room, breakfast, dinner, daily dance classes and social dancing each evening, plus a ball on your last night at the spectacular Blair Castle. Classes are held at different venues around the town of Pitlochry, a gorgeous village nestled at the edge of the highlands. All venues are accessible by foot and/or car, and some are located in Atholl Palace. With classes held every morning and optional classes or sessions in the afternoon, there is the potential for a full day of dancing; that is, if your feet are up for it!

The price structure for 2025 is shown below. Please note that spaces fill up quickly and there is no guarantee of a place. 

TypePrice
Single room (SOLD OUT)1,200
Double room for single occupancy (SOLD OUT)1,260
Shared double/twin room1,025
Shared triple room950

Social Dance Programmes

 

Class Selector

Please read the information on classes, which helps you choose the class best suited for your level of skill.

This class will continue to develop steps and formations. It will focus on all aspects of technique: footwork, handing, phrasing, transitions and teamwork. Some dances from the evening programmes will be taught.

This class will continue to develop steps and work on more advanced formations, handing, phrasing, transitions and teamwork. More challenging dances will be taught in this class.

This class is for dancers who dance at a very high standard with correct rhythm, foot positions and extension in steps and can sustain the energy level for the whole course. All formations in The Manual should be known and danced with precision, good handing and phrasing.

This class will only take place if there is sufficient demand. This class is for those who dance at a high standard of technique and expertise but prefer a class that is less intense. A high level of stamina will not be expected in this class.

Teachers and Musicians

Our excellent line up of teachers and musicians for Winter School 2025 include:

Teachers

Musicians

Graham Donald

Ian Robertson

Alice Stainer

Jim Lindsay

Deb Lees

Ewan Galloway

Andrew Nolan

Muriel Johnstone

FAQs

Get answers to our most commonly asked questions below.

Looking for more guidance? Get in touch and we'll try to help.

Tickets are available to purchase on the website. Click the blue "Book now" button to book online and select your preferred option(s). Please note that no physical tickets will be issued. Your email confirmation will act as your ticket and can be printed or presented on your phone at the venue as proof of purchase.

If you withdraw before midnight on 16th December 2024 then you will be entitled to a refund of your fees, less an administration charge of £80. If you withdraw after that date, you will not be entitled to a refund.

If, due to circumstances outside our control, we are required to cancel the 2025 Winter School event then we will inform all attendees and a full refund will be provided. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society shall assume no liability for any losses resulting from individual pre-booked travel. Please check your personal travel insurance policy.

Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry, Perthshire  PH16 5LX

Directions to the venue 

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Upcoming Events

Virtual Festival

The Virtual Festival is a competition organised by the Youth Services Committee and we invite RSCDS Branches and Affiliated Groups to enter from anywhere in the world.
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The Autumn Gathering 2024

The Autumn Gathering provides an opportunity for dancers from across the world to gather over a weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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