A HELENSBURGH dance teacher says the sight of one of her long-serving pupils performing in London recently was among the proudest moments of her career.

Margaret MacInnes, who has run the Margaret Rose School of Dance for more than 40 years, joined Catriona Gammons and her mum Lynn at the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (BATD) annual conference on June 15.

Hermitage Academy pupil Catriona, 16, has been awarded a scholarship in Highland dancing and was invited down south for the 127th BATD celebratory event.

READ MORE: Scholarships crown successful 2018 for Helensburgh dancers

Teacher Margaret said: “It was amazing, she had a fabulous time.

“She was the only person doing Highland dancing. She choreographed her own routine for it and it went down a storm.

“It was one of the proudest moments of my teaching career.

“Catriona has been with us since she was three years old and I’m hoping she will continue to compete. She hopes to do the Edinburgh Military Tattoo one year.

“Everyone is proud of Catriona’s achievements as she works so hard at class.”

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Catriona also took part in last weekend’s Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships in Helensburgh, along with other members of the dance school.

Margaret added: “That was the first time we have had it in the field and it was a great success.

“It was important to show that it’s not all about the pipe bands, it’s about Highland dancing as well.

“The setting and layout was fabulous and we hope we can get a sponsor for next year’s event as the platform and canopy costs over £2,000.”

The dancers are looking forward to the next local competition - the Rosneath Highland Gathering, on July 14, while 12 members are travelling to Canada next week to take part in the Scotdance contest.

READ MORE: Countdown is on to Rosneath Peninsula Highland Gathering

The school’s primary winners at the Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships on Sunday were Jaime Ross, who took home two gold medals; Anna Brady, two silver medals; Layla Livingston, two silver medals; and Evelyn Taylor, one gold and three silver medals.

Trophy winners were Ava Lily King, Helen Nicholson, Naomi Sim, Grace McGrath, Skye Erith, Alana Ross, Eilidh Gammons, Catriona Gammons, Lauren May and Jessica Mullen.