The gymnasium of McCulloch Education Centre in Pictou echoed with the sounds of Gaelic tunes and its floor was trod upon by many a talented plaid-clad young dancer, watched by crowds of proud family and friends last weekend.
The Town of Pictou was host to an event that did great honour to its Scottish heritage with the Annual Ship Hector Scottish Heritage Championship and the 40th Annual Debbie Robson Memorial Competition taking place at McCulloch Education Centre.
Throngs of dancers filed into the gym for the events, performing a number of traditional Highland dancing routines for judges.
Although some were nervous about the events, one local dancer was very confident and enthusiastic about her performance that weekend.
“It’s awesome,” said an enthusiastic Abigail White, as she prepared for performances later in the afternoon. White was registered to perform in lilt, fling, sword and Seann Triubhas style dances.
“I’m doing well, and having a lot of fun at the same time. I probably did best in lilt so far – and my favourite is Seann Triubhas.”
Results
90 dancers registered on Saturday, and 213 registered Sunday. The total number of registered dancers for the weekend was 233.
The performance were adjudicated by Nadine Gibney-Amaral, Sandra Bald Jones, Joy Tolev – all judges from Ontario.
4th Annual Ship Hector Scottish Heritage Championship
Premier 12 & Under 14 – Annika Murray: Fling 4th, Sword 2nd, Seann Triubhas 2nd, Reel 2nd. 1st Runner up.
– Amelia Parker: Fling 6th.
Premier 14 & Under 16 – Ainslie Salter: Fling 3rd, Sword 6th, Seann Triubhas 5th, Reel 1st. 2nd Runner up.
Premier 18 & Over – Allyson Parker: Fling 5th, Sword 3rd, Seann Triubhas 5th, Reel 5th. 3rd Runner up.
Annika Murray was the winner of the Jeanna English Memorial Award, which is presented to the Pictou County Highland Dance Association Championship Dancer of the Day.
40th Annual Debbie Robson Memorial Competition
Premier 12 – Lauren Hiltz: Village Maid 4th, Flora 4th, Earl of Errol 5th, Scotch Measure 3rd.
Premier 13 – Annika Murray: Village Maid 1st, Flora 1st, Earl of Errol 4th, Scotch Measure 1st. High aggregate winner.
Premier 14 – Rachel Rowan: Village Maid 6th, Flora 4th.
Premier 17 & Over – Madison Baillie: Scotch Measure 6th.
Special Event Jeana's Jig
Intermediate All Ages – Penelope Brown 6th
Premier 15 & Under – Annika Murray 1st, Ainslie Salter 4th.
Primary 4 & 5 – Ashlyn MacKenzie: Pas de Bas & Highcuts 4th.
Beginner 7 & Under – Lauren McNamara: Fling 3rd, Sword 2nd.
Beginner 8 – Ruby Beaton: Fling 6th, Sword 5th.
Novice 9 & 10 – Abigail White: Sword 2nd, Seann Triubhas 1st.
These pictures are from Saturday. Annika Murray, Ainslie Salter and Allyson Parker were trophy winner, but Allyson is missing from the picture.
The other picture is of all the Pictou County dancers who competed Saturday.
40th Debbie Robson Memorial Competition
Intermediate 11 & Over – Allysa Ells: Fling 1st, Seann Triubhas 2nd, Laddie 2nd, Barracks 2nd.
Alyssa Ells won the PCHDA Pre-Premier Dancer of the Day.
Annika Murray won the PCHDA Premier Dancer of the Day.
Penelope Brown, Annika Murray, and Ainslie Salter all won awards in Jeana's Jig.
With files from Laura Rowan
