Dòchas Dancers recently returned home with outstanding achievements from a prestigious dance scholarship event in Aberdeen.

They all made their teachers, families and their communities immensely proud.

Each year, the awarding body UKA invites Highland Dancers who have gained distinction in grade exams to a scholarship event in Aberdeen.

Erin MacRury, Anna MacPherson, Eubha MacInnes, Rebecca MacDonald, Katie MacDonald, Helen Smith and Chiara Fisher were invited along to take part in the event in January.

Approximately 200 participants took part in groups of around 25 competitors. All were introduced by name, given commemorative medals, and reminded that they were already prize winners through having earned a place at the event.

The competition consists of performance in a technical class and solo choreography assessed by three judges, along with a written theory test.

The group was awarded 13 trophies and 2 actual scholarship monetary prizes for teachers to provide additional tuition.

To showcase the choreographies locally to allow families, friends and the wider community, Bòrd na Gàidhlig have awarded funding for an evening of ceilidh dancing and Gaelic song in the Dark Island Hotel on 21 February 2026.

Dòchas Dancers said: “We could not be prouder of our dancers! Your effort, teamwork, resilience and courage across the weekend was outstanding, and you represented yourselves and your school beautifully.

“Your effort, dedication, enthusiasm, participation and, most of all, embracing and supporting one another. You exemplify all we could ever wish for Dòchas Dancers.

“Thank you to UKA Dance for such a superb event to recognise the dancers’ efforts and achievements.

“Huge thanks to our sponsors for making this journey possible, Salar Smokehouse, Creagorry Motors, MOWI, Uist & Barra Sports Council, Cllr Uisdean Robertson and Cllr Mustapha Hocine.”