The annual Isle of Wight Scottish Country Dancing Weekend School returned to Shanklin earlier this month (13th-15th February), welcoming 115 dancers from across Europe for what organisers described as another capacity event.
Held at the Shanklin Hotel on the clifftops in Shanklin, the weekend was organised by Catherine Packwood-Bluett, Aileen Napper and Ian and Judith Muir, with assistance from Frankie Bluett-Burgess and IOW Tours. The Shanklin Hotel provided accommodation, with organisers praising the service from staff and the quality of the food.
This year’s teachers were Raphaelle Orgeret from Lyon in France and Eric Finley from North Ayrshire in Scotland. Both are internationally recognised within Scottish Country Dancing circles and focused on combining enjoyment with challenging and creative dances throughout the weekend.
Music was provided by the 4-piece Craigellachie Band from the south of England, made up of Ian and Judith Muir, now residents of the Isle of Wight, alongside John Browne and Ali McCan. Social dances were held on Friday and Saturday evenings, continuing late into the night, with several dances encored due to popular demand. Scottish Country Dancing classes also took place on Saturday and Sunday mornings, accompanied by Ian, Judith and Ali.
Local teacher Janette Baxter offered a walk-through of the Saturday evening dances to help participants prepare. For those wishing to explore the Isle of Wight, visitors were treated to sunshine on Valentine’s Day afternoon.
Many guests, including Isle of Wight residents, attended solely for the social dances or as non-dancers to maintain friendships formed through Scottish Country Dancing over the years. Organisers said the atmosphere across the weekend was electric.
Those interested in learning Scottish Country Dancing can attend a Beginners and Improvers workshop at 10:00 on Saturday 16th May 2026 at Wellow Literary Institute Hall. The session will be run by local teachers and a musician. All ages are welcome and no partner or Scottish heritage is required.
