PUPILS from Helensburgh and Lomond’s primary schools got an expert introduction to Scottish country dancing – and kept themselves fit at the same time – at the annual Active Schools Day of Dance this week.

The event, run jointly by Live Argyll and the Helensburgh branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS), saw primary seven pupils from throughout the Helensburgh and Lomond catchment area gather at the Victoria Halls in Helensburgh on Tuesday for coaching.

Around 210 children attended this year for either the morning or afternoon session – and all had obviously been practicing dances in the lead up to the event as all danced well on the day.

The success of the day was testament to the input from school staff in order to learn the programme of dances and the coordination on the day from the volunteers.

Helen Rodger and Roy Bain and were on hand to provide dance instructions and to encourage the pupils on to the floor – made easier this year as the children were keen to dance from the start.

Members of the Helensburgh branch came along either for the whole day or for one of the sessions to volunteer as stewards and ensure the day ran smoothly.

Martin Caldwell, Live Argyll’s Active Schools co-ordinator for Helensburgh and Lomond, told the Advertiser: “I would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers from the Helensburgh branch of the RSCDS for giving their time and supporting the event, Irene Smith for coordinating things with Active Schools, and also to all teachers and staff involved and pupils for conducting themselves so well on the day.

“The branch is committed to encouraging young people to come and try Scottish country dancing.

“Although the Day of Dance requires lots of planning it is worth it to see so many young people enjoying themselves.”

Further information on the RSCDS branch’s regular Helensburgh classes can be found at www.rscds-helensburgh.org.uk.