The inaugural competition took place on Saturday 2 June in Portree, as part of the Skye Provincial Mod, and saw dancers from Skye and Lochalsh put their best Highland fling skills on display, vying for this year’s trophies.

SSC sponsored two trophies this year – the Slaver trophy for best dressed dancer and the 3^rd place trophy in Novice category; both were taken home by Lacey Morgan from Broadford.

Dannsairean An Eilein Sgitheanaich was nominated by David Taylor, Head of Production North at SSC, in order to help raise funds for the group to register a new annual Highland dance competition to be held at the local Gaelic Mod. The money donated by SSC helped to pay for the competition registration with the official Highland dancing board, SBOHD, a registered judge, and a new SSC trophy.

The Gaelic Mod committee agreed DAES would hold a local register Highland dance competition as part of its event this year to involve more local island groups in the Gaelic cultural event.

Part of SSC’s Community Charter, the Fund was established in 2017, whereby SSC staff are encouraged to be champions in their communities by nominating local groups, charities and organisations that support health and wellbeing for a funding grant of up to £250.

Craig Anderson, Chief Executive at The Scottish Salmon Company, said: “We are proud to support local groups like Dannsairean An Eilein Sgitheanaich that give so much benefit to the communities where our staff live and work. The work of the volunteers is outstanding in helping boys and girls develop their skills, confidence and knowledge of Gaelic culture and I am very pleased that we are able to support a new competition that will continue to help grow Highland dance in Skye and the Highlands.

“I offer congratulations to Lacey for taking home the SSC trophies and wish the group the best success for the future.”

Karen Campbell, Chair and dance teacher of Dannsairean An Eilein Sgitheanaich, said: “Highland dancing has gone from strength to strength over the last few years on the Island, and our group means boys and girls of all ages from across the island are attending classes and building their skills and confidence week on week.

“DAES dancers take pride in this traditional way of dancing and it’s fantastic that there is now an annual local Mod competition for them to dance in to build confidence and prepare for future competitions off the island.

“I want to thank The Scottish Salmon Company for its invaluable help and support in getting our annual competition up and running, and in supporting Gaelic culture which is so important to our island, and the Scottish Highlands.”

To learn more about Dannsairean An Eilein Sgitheanaich, please visit: www.skyehighlanddancers.co.uk

For more information about SSC and its Community Fund, please visit: www.scottishsalmon.com