Pupils perfect Homecoming 2009 Reel at Inverness cèilidh

Inverness pupils will celebrate the year of Homecoming by performing a new dance called the Homecoming 2009 Reel or Tha Tilleadh gu Alba Ruidhle at a special cèilidh event on 25th March.

Primary 7 pupils from all schools in the Inverness Royal Academy cluster group have spent the last few weeks perfecting their dance skills in preparation for the cèilidh which takes place in Inverness Royal Academy.  Not only will it celebrate the Homecoming but it will bring together all pupils who are moving to Inverness Royal Academy in August.

The Homecoming 2009 Reel was devised by dancer Rob Sargent who has taught Scottish Country Dance for 40 years and promoted Scottish dance all over the world.  Teachers attended a training day run by Rob in February after which they taught their pupils the Reel along with support from Sarah Leibnitz, Active Schools Co-ordinator and Dave Cadell, PE Teacher.

The dance is accompanied by official Homecoming 2009 Reel music composed by Colin Dewar and will be performed by TMC Folk at the cèilidh.

The idea for the cèilidh came from former Cauldeen Primary Deputy Head, Wendy Scollay. She said:  “This is a chance to celebrate Homecoming Scotland and what’s great about Scottish culture but it also allows the pupils to meet one another before they attend Inverness Royal Academy.  It’s also an ideal way to have some exercise and we’ll be supporting the event with healthy eating snacks and drinks kindly donated by Tesco and Irn Bru’.”

Another element to the project has been Gaelic language and the pupils will be introduced to Gaelic through some basic phrases.  Pupils at Bun Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis recorded the phrases onto CD so that everyone could learn them before attending the cèilidh.  They will greet one another and ask for food and drink in Gaelic.

The schools participating in the cèilidh are: Aldourie Primary, Bun Sgoil Ghàidhlig Inbhir Nis, Cauldeen Primary, Farr Primary, Foyers Primary, Hilton Primary, Holm Primary, Lochardil Primary and Stratherrick Primary.

The project was supported by Alison Boyle, Cultural Co-ordinator and Margo MacLennan, Traditional Music Co-ordinator, both Highland Council.