The Saint Kentigern community came together on Saturday evening to celebrate our Scottish heritage at the 24^th annual Ceilidh. In support of the Saint Kentigern Pipes and Drums return to the famous Basel Tattoo next year, the evening attracted those who appreciate plenty of music, singing, dancing, haggis, banter and, of course, good cheer!

The combined 2nd Pipe Band and Boys’ School Pipe Band played in Elliot Quad as the guests arrived, before one and all were led into Elliot Hall by the Pipes and Drums of Saint Kentigern. As is traditional, entry to a Ceilidh takes the form of a Grand March which can be a little chaotic to begin with! MCs for the night, Middle School Principal, Mr Duncan McQueen and fellow staff member Mr Al Ronberg called for couples to join together in lines of four and after one circuit of the hall, joining with another four to form a line of eight, finally moving into lines of sixteen across the hall. Sounds simple? You had to be there!

Ceilidhs are centred on food and dance and it took very little convincing for dance caller, Bev Young, accompanied by Wee Jock’s Band, with students, Adam Perry and Elena Bloksberg on the accordion and violin to entice our guests onto the floor for each round of dance – of which there were plenty! Ceilidh regulars were easy to spot and others quickly learnt the importance of listening out for instructions! Gauging by the number of smiles and sound of laughter, everyone had a good time regardless of their dancing abilities.

Following on, our drummers stepped to the front of the crowd to give an amazing display of precision drumming before the haggis was paraded in. The audience applauded Year 11 student, Cameron Dean on his passionate address and performance of Robbie Burns’ ‘Ode to the Haggis’ before the haggis was put on the dinner table for all to try.

Before dinner was served, Mr Ronberg offered the traditional Selkirk Grace. Entertainment continued when the audience welcomed diminutive Grace Broun to the floor. She may only be eight years old but she was nimble on her feet as she demonstrated the sword dance to almost 200 spectators!

With dinner complete, out came the song sheets! Year 13 student, Venice Qin sang before everyone joined in some hearty singing followed by more dancing. To conclude the evening of dance, laughter, good food and camaraderie, the Pipers led by Pipe Major, Kate Pennycuick, played their last item, Amazing Grace, from the balcony, bringing a hush to the gathering as they reflected on a most enjoyable Saint Kentigern evening.

We would like to thank our parents and staff on the organising committee, and especially our students and supporters who performed on the night and assisted in the great success and smooth running of the event.

The Pipes and Drums would also like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our sponsors who generously donated goods for auction and families and friends for their continued support of our Ceilidh!

Did you miss out? Our Saint Kentigern Ceilidh is a wonderful evening of revelry – we’ll look forward to seeing you next year!

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Tags

• Middle College,
• Senior College

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