Lily Kelman (15) from Dalneigh in Inverness is world champ after securing historic success in Highland dancing
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A dedicated Inverness schoolgirl is feeling on top of the world after securing historic success in Highland dancing.
Lily Kelman (15), from Dalneigh, shone among the world’s 20 best competitors on her way to being crowned Juvenile World Champion at the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon.
The Inverness High School pupil is one of a select few from the city to have landed one of Highland dancing’s most-coveted global prizes.
Lily qualified last Thursday by winning the Scottish Championships at the same venue, before producing the performance of her life at the world event on Saturday.
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It was a triumph of hard work and commitment for the talented teenager, who has followed in a strong family dancing tradition.
Granny Irene Maclennan and mum Yvonne Kelman were also Highland dancers. Dad Jason is a traditional music enthusiast and sister Grace (13) is an accomplished piper.
While some of her peers gave up training during Covid-related restrictions, Lily refused to let the pandemic deter her from working towards “her great dream” of becoming world champion.
Proud mum Yvonne said: “Lily has been competing since the age of four and won her first championship when she was 11.
“Her great dream has always been to win the World Championships at Cowal, the spiritual home of Highland dancing.
“She qualified when she was 12, in 2019, and after that the goal was to get placed in the world’s top six.
“Then Covid hit and we were down to absolutely nothing, just the odd lesson, but she just kept going every day doing strengthening exercises and practising outside.
“She has since won every championship at her level, but this one is a dream come true – the pinnacle for her.
“It was very nerve-racking on Thursday, but she just relaxed for dancing on the Saturday. She knew she’d put in all the hard work and just had to go out and really enjoy herself.”
Moving up an age level, Lily’s next goal is to win the junior world title.
Teacher Elizabeth Fraser, of the Fraser School of Highland Dancing, said: “Lily is one of the nicest, most humble and hard-working young dancers we’ve had.
“She is an inspiration and encouragement to every student within the dancing school.”
