New Years Honours

Elma McCausland MBE

A fitting end to Belfast’s year of celebrations was the announcement of the award of MBE ‘for services to Scottish country dancing’ to Elma McCausland in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list. Elma started Scottish country dancing as a child in Aberdeen, becoming a fully certificated teacher in 1956. Since then she has been teaching at all levels, trained demonstration teams (including starting the Branch team over forty years ago and training it ever since), tutored certificate classes locally, overseas, and at Summer School, taught ladies step, and taught at day and weekend schools worldwide. A wonderful mentor, she has brought her vast experience and wise counsel to all who seek it and continues to encourage new members and teachers. A much-respected teacher-tutor and examiner, Elma has contributed greatly to the expansion of country dance teaching internationally, often accompanied by her beloved husband and ‘bag carrier’ Cecil, until he passed away in 2011. Elma is highly revered for her gentle manner in achieving high standards. Her skill in seeking the best from all with whom she engages is ever present. Elma served as Convenor of the Examinations Committee, as a member of the Education and Training Committee, and has been Depute Director of Summer School. Belfast Branch is delighted that her commitment and dedication have been acknowledged by this award. Aileen Patterson and Helen McGinley dancing she started a children’s class in the Hilton Area of Inverness. Sometime later she also took on a class at North Kessock. Mary Ross BEM For many years Mary organised Scottish Also honoured by the Queen in the New country dances in aid of various charities Year’s Honours List was Mrs Mary Ross. Mary and is noted for the active part she plays in was introduced to Scottish country dancing country dancing throughout the Highlands. in her native Banffshire at the age of 16. She John Drewry devised the strathspey, The moved to Inverness and became a member Boyndie Knot, published in Bankhead Book of the Inverness Branch in 1962 and brought 3 for Mary and her husband Jonathan’s 40th her enthusiasm for dancing into the branch. wedding anniversary. They had been married In Nairn she started 3 children’s classes and in Boyndie Kirk near Banff. 1 adult class. Always interested in furthering Irene Whyte, Inverness