HELENSBURGH'S Scottish country dancers and their friends enjoyed a busy weekend with two events in two days at the same venue.
First up was the Autumn Dance held by the local branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS), with 72 people opting to forsake their gardens on a beautiful sunny afternoon in favour of the dance floor in Helensburgh Parish Church Hall.
An added incentive was the live music provided by the excellent accordionist and all-round musical maestro from Edinburgh, Matthew MacLennan.
In addition to local dancers the event also had visitors from Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Ayrshire and Tarbert on Loch Fyne - as well as a couple from Leicester, Donna and Darren, who came to spectate and learn the mysteries of Scottish country dancing.
A branch spokesperson said: "No mystery, our Scottish dance fraternity are very friendly and always ready to encourage anyone wishing to join us and learn how to do Scottish country dancing.
"We hold lots of classes locally, led by very experienced teachers. Dances are walked through to start with, and there is plenty of support on hand from other class members. We don’t bite, honestly!
"Beginning with the jig Joie de Vivre, we got through some 15 dances in all and, after a caffeine and biscuit fuelled interval, even managed an extra reel, Catch the Wind.
"In her closing speech our compere made reference to 'happy, shining faces' which pretty much summed up the afternoon."
The following day saw the branch hold its first ever family-friendly ceilildh, led by teacher Anne Thorn.
The aim of the event was to get people who might have some experience of ceilidh dancing to go on and give Scottish country dancing a try.
The branch spokesperson added: "With Hogmanay ceilidhs and other seasonal dance events looming it was a good chance, under Anne’s expert tuition, to brush up on our skills at the Gay Gordons, Circassian Circle, Canadian Barn Dance and other ceilidh stalwarts.
"It was indeed a family event with all generations represented from grandparents on downwards. Hands were for clapping and feet for stamping!"
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