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Margaret MacDonald -
Chairperson Pauline
Bain - Secretary Annie
Mackay - Treasurer
Links |
"A Taste of Tartan" was formed in the early 1980s, to provide entertainment during the summer months for both visitors and local people alike. Weekly ceilidhs were held in the Pentland Hotel, Thurso, with the Addie Harper Scottish Dance Band as the resident band. Traditional entertainment was provided from the wealth of local talent, with artistes performing on a continuously changing programme. The Organisation then lapsed for several years, but was re-born in 2004 to host a visit in August by a group of dancers from Markelo in the Netherlands. (See details later.) The weekly ceilidhs were re-introduced, with venues at the Royal British Legion and at the Royal Hotel, Thurso. Music was again provided by the Addie Harper Scottish Dance Band, and regular demonstrations were given by members of the Mina Mackay School of Highland Dancing. Local artistes provided a variety of entertainment. In July 2007 Taste of Tartan hosted another group of dancers from West Friesland in the Netherlands. (See details later.) The Taste of Tartan weekly ceilidhs are continuing each summer, with dates and details shown on the What's On pages. Provisional plans are being drawn up for a visit to Markelo in the Netherlands in 2009. Contact the Chairperson or Secretary for further information. Earlier Events The 29 dancers, singers and musicians were again dressed in the traditional costumes of the region, but this time the costumes were for more formal wear such as Sundays or special occasions, typical of the fashions in 1850 to 1875. The men wore knee breeches with long white socks and buckled shoes, and top hats and tails. The ladies wore fine lace caps decorated with jewellery in different patterns. They had colourful long skirts and tops, with decorated purses hanging from the waists. All the jewellery was antique, having been passed down in the family from generation to generation. Again the group performed indoors and outdoors in Thurso and Wick, and also at the Halkirk Highland Games. They also provided entertainment at various residential care homes in Thurso and Wick. They were given an extremely warm welcome and enthusiastic support wherever they appeared. The group had one day of relaxation, when they were taken on a coach tour to see as much of Caithness as possible in the limited time available. Local hosts provided accommodation during the five nights visit, and many new friendships were formed and are likely to be long-lasting. The Schermer Dansers have
their own website at:
www.schermerdansers.nl August 2004 - Visit by
Markelo Folklore Society The group performed both indoors and outdoors at various venues in Thurso and Wick, and also ran workshops to demonstrate and teach some of their dances. They were extremely well supported wherever they appeared. On their one day of relaxation the group were taken on a coach tour of Caithness to see various places of interest. Members of the Taste of Tartan committee and their friends acted as hosts and provided accommodation for the group during the five nights of their stay. New friendships were formed and many of the hosts have kept in contact with their individual guests. The Markelo Folklore Society have invited Taste of Tartan to organise a visit to Markelo in 2009. It is hoped that local artistes from Caithness will be able to make the journey and provide traditional Scottish entertainment to the people of the Markelo area. The Society has its own website at: www.folkloristische-vereniging-markelo.nl |
