Nairn Ceilidh Group enjoys bumper season and raises funds for good causes and relief aid for Ukrainian refugees following its return after coronavirus pandemic
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The Nairn Ceilidh Group is enjoying another bumper season since its return after a Covid break.
The group provides a ceilidh band, for dancing, Highland dancers, a piper and guest artistes and choirs every Thursday at the Nairn Community and Arts Centre during the summer, with the final performance on August 18.
“It’s been a very successful season so far,” said chairman Donald Wilson. “Our attendances are regularly exceeding 100 and on the increase each week as more tourists come to town.
“We are very fortunate to have musicians and bands who give their time freely and after paying our expenses we disburse what funds are left to local deserving causes.
“We normally restrict our donations to local groups but this year we are donating £400 towards relief aid for Ukrainian refugees.
“With the uncertainty after Covid we were unsure how the public would respond but they have been fantastic turning up in large numbers.
“Our guests, many from other parts of Scotland, say they have nothing like this where they come from and it is such an enjoyable community event with the usual set dances including Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and Virginia Reel.”
Nairn ceilidh group makes return
Donald added: “We keep the charges down to £5 and £2 so it’s not going to be too hard on a family’s holiday budget.
“It gives visitors a lovely night out and of course locals turn out in good numbers too and there’s always the opportunity for total beginners
to learn some of the dances. It’s very inclusive and the floor is usually packed.
“There’s no need to buy a ticket. Just turn up on a Thursday night and the centre staff are great if we need extra seating to fit people in.
“You never know quite what to expect. In one of the ceilidhs this year local postie Amanda Galeitch, who dressed up on her rounds as Hollywood stars during Covid to cheer people up, appeared as Charlie Chaplin.”
