1966 - 1976

Scottish Country Dancing in Ottawa began in the late 1940s. Through the 50’s there were a variety of groups across the city. In 1957, many of them came together and formed the Ottawa Scottish Country Dance Society (OSCDS). By the early 1960s, the RSCDS in Scotland had become an international organization and branches were being formed in other Canadian cities. In 1965 the OSCDS applied for branch status to the RSCDS. In May 1966 this application was approved and thus began our history as an official Branch.

From these early days we see the same structure we have today – weekly classes, monthly social dances and an annual ball. In the mid70s there was the first ‘Bring Your Own Guest Night’ which became an annual tradition and was the precursor to our Welcome Dance. Many of the dances popular then are still popular today – Reel of the 51^st division, Mairi’s wedding, and Maxwell’s Rant to name a few. Some things were very different though, music was provided by vinyl records which, as you can imagine, was pretty tricky!

The early 1970’s marked the first appearance of Fergus. If you are a long time member you will know who Fergus is, but for the rest of us here is his history. Eileen Black, who was bulletin editor at the time, was looking for art work and an artist friend created Fergus. He first appeared in the publicity for the 1971 ball. He was a much loved mascot and appeared in the masthead of the bulletins until 2011, a remarkable run!

Our Fergus

A braw wee chap is Fergus

Our mascot brave and true,

Though why he looks so angry

We never really knew.

One day we thought to ask him,

He frowned and said “Och, well

You’ve only got to look at me,

The answer’s plain to tell.

“There’s no’a hielan’ soldier

Can explain with any pride,

Why he’s silver buckles on his spats,

And kilt pinned on the wrong side.”

John de Chastelain

Source: Abstracted from‘The Extended Family: History of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Ottawa 1966-1971. Compiled by Eric Clyde