This July, two young dancers from the Outer Hebrides are set to travel over 3,500 miles to North Carolina to take part in the Scottish School of Arts Workshops.

Eubha MacInnes (13) from North Uist and Erin MacRury (11) from Benbecula will compete at the world-renowned Grandfather Mountain Highland Games at championship level, as well as taking on an Irish Jig Challenge and a duet in Highland choreography. Eubha has also been awarded one of only two scholarships for her tuition at the event.

For young dancers growing up in island communities, opportunities like this are incredibly rare. Both girls have worked exceptionally hard to earn their place, and will represent not only themselves but the islands on an international stage. As Gaelic speakers from the Outer Hebrides, they will also compete in the Grandfather Mountain Provincial Mòd, representing their islands through the Gaelic language and culture that forms such an important part of who they are.

Since the girls’ story was shared, they have received the warmest of welcomes from Clan MacInnes and Clan Donald members in North Carolina, who are looking forward to meeting them and supporting them at the Games. Both have been invited to join the clans in their tents and in the tartans parade through the streets of Banner Elk, as well as performing at clan events.

It promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for two dedicated young dancers from the Outer Hebrides.