Scottish Cultural Organization for Traditional Dance in Canada

FUSTA is pleased to announce the SOBHD has confirmed that a Judges Test will be given in Anaheim, California on Thursday, September 30 and Friday, October 1, 2010.  These dates are in front of the annual North American BATD Conference utilizing the same venue and facilities.  It is a two-day exam.

FUSTA is facilitating the test on behalf of the SOBHD, so it is important that interested parties advise John Hynd, FUSTA's Judges' Chairman, of their intentions as soon as possible.  It is important in order to note the number of potential candidates for facility needs, meeting SOBHD requirements, relaying of information/details, etc.

Applications for the test are contained on the SOBHD website: www.sobhd.net (Forms and Downloads on the home page), the Judges Exam section of the SDC Website www.scotdancecanada.ca/judgesexam.htm and the FUSTA website:  www.fusta.us (Resources/Other Forms).  The FUSTA web page also contains a useful information sheet pertaining to the test in addition to the application.  As further details are known they will be communicated directly to the candidates who have indicated an interest in taking the exam. 

This is a great opportunity for those who have been asking for another test to be given in the U.S.  Best of luck to all candidates taking the exam!

One of ScotDance Canada's delegates to the SOBHD was recently made an Honorary Member of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing.  ScotDance Canada would like to congratulate Iain on this honour and thank him for his many years of dedication both to the world of Highland Dancing and to ScotDance Canada.  We wish him the best of luck.

Mr. Iain MacDonald – Honorary Member

Proposed by the S.D.T.A.

The S.D.T.A.  wish to propose Mr. Iain MacDonald for Honorary Membership of the S.O.B.H.D. in recognition of Iain’s outstanding contribution to Highland Dancing.

Ian started dancing and piping at 7 years old, his teacher being Tommy Pollock from Glasgow. He also took lessons from Bobby Cuthbertson, Andrew Sutherland, Jackie Grant and Willie Cuthbertson and he continued his piping with world famous Glasgow piper Peter R. McLeod.

Iain joined The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders in 1959 and during his Army Career performed for The Royal Family on many occasions.  He also performed in The Press Club New York for Brigadier  McLean.

Iain continued to compete during this time and in one competition in Munster Germany, he competed against Mr. Robert Clark who like Iain now represents Scotdance Canada at Board Meetings.  Iain left the Army in 1961 and returned to Willie Cuthbertsons’ dance classes, and in 1962 was 2^nd in the World Championships.  He joined the B.A.T.D. in 1972, the S.D.T.A. in 1973 and the judges panel in 1977.  As well as teaching dancing successfully for many years, Iain organized The first Kirkintilloch Highland Games, The Glasgow Highland Gathering and The St. Mungo Championships.

Under the guidiance of Angus Morrison Iain started piping for dancing competitions and over the years became many competition organisers regular piper and at Cowal Highland Gathering Iain piped for 43 consecutive years.  Unfortunately due to lack of mobility Iain has retired from piping and I am sure you will all agree he will be irreplaceable in the dancing world."