I was in Kingussie this weekend taking part in a festival of dance called Strathspè Away. The festival is primarily about teaching traditional dance, but also incorporates some contemporary forms such as hip hop and salsa.

I was there to brush up on my step dancing which, after a hiatus of around 8 or 9 years, is rather rusty. More than seven hours of classes and a couple of ceilidhs has left me with aching legs and the joints of The Tin Man. My lack of fitness makes me realise that I definitely spend too much time playing music and not enough time on the dance floor!

It was great to meet up with old friends, some of whom I hadn’t seen for 10 years, and to make new ones. I also picked up a few new ceilidh dances which will hopefully make their way onto The Ceilidh Bandidos’ set list.

It’s a wee bit lonely being a step dancer in North Argyll, so if anyone close by is reading this and fancies sharing a few steps then give me a shout.