Throughout the day

Please: All entries for the competition must be submitted by Wednesday 5th June.

Bearsden & Milngavie Highland Games is one of a number of venues for Highland Dance Competitions that carry a high status in the sport and attract dancers from around the World in addition to those from Scotland. Each year some 100 dancers come to Milngavie to take part in a number of competitions graded according to both age and skill level. Only dancers registered with the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing may take part, this ensures a uniformly high standard of judging and of dancing.

Highland Dancing should not be confused with Scottish Country Dancing. The Highland Dance is a style of competitive solo dancing developed in the Scottish Highlands from steps taken from the French Court, probably through Mary Queen of Scots, where this style of dance was performed by the Scottish gentlemen who served in the French King’s Bodyguard. Forms of these dances had occurred much earlier in Scotland of course, the oldest being the Sword Dance which dates from 1054. Following a duel with claymore swords, the victor took his victim’s weapon and crossed it with his own on the ground. He then danced over the naked blades in the ecstasy of victory.

Highland Dancing is very technical requiring considerable stamina and formed part of the physical training of the Highland Regiments and travelled through the United Kingdom, the New World and the Commonwealth with them. It evolved further during the 19th and 20th Centuries in competitions held at public events such as Highland Games and has been subject to many influences, ballet for example.

At early Highland Games the dances were only performed by male performers, however, as women were not expressly forbidden from taking part, a girl called Lorna Mitchell entered a competition. She has been followed enthusiastically by other female dancers and today they make up over 95% of all entrants.

To enter the Highland Dancing Competition, go to the contact page and fill in the contact form no later than 5th June.