A truly Scottish experience
Following a sold-out event this year, Winter School, a highlight of the RSCDS calendar, returns for its 26th year in Pitlochry, Perthshire from 15th - 20th February 2026. 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 2026 Brochure:
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!
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Single room | 1,370 |
| Double room for single occupancy | 1,440 |
| Shared double room | 1,165 |
| Shared triple room | 980 |
Secure your spot for Winter School 2026 with a refundable deposit of £250 per person.
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 2026 include:
Teachers | Musicians |
Raphaëlle Orgeret | Ian Robertson |
Samuele Graziani | Mo Rutherford |
Rachel Shankland | Màrtainn Skene |
Alasdair Brown | David Oswald |
FAQs
Get answers to our most commonly asked questions below.
Looking for more guidance? Get in touch and we'll try to help.
Secure your spot for Winter School 2026 with a refundable deposit of £250 per person.
Key Details:
- Exclusive Early Access: Booking will open on 25th August 2025, one week before general booking opens
- Balance Payment: The remaining balance due will be payable through a dedicated link which will be sent to you prior to bookings opening on 25th August 2025
- Refundable Deposit: Your deposit will be refundable should you decide not to proceed with your booking and contact us at [email protected] by 30th September 2025
- Payment Deadline: Please complete your booking by 30th September 2025; if the balance has not been paid by this date, your deposit will be refunded
- Bookings on a first-come, first-served basis: early access bookings are limited and will close once capacity has been reached
- Please note that payment of this deposit guarantees your place at Winter School but does not guarantee any particular room type, as rooms will be subject to hotel availability
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 2025 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 2026 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
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