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Traveling Dancer Days
Jul 19
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Ardvreck stands lonely on its loch,
A sentinel of time past,
Watching over Assynt's rugged beauty,
Its stones whispering of history."
~ Assynt and the Castle, Norman MacCaig (1910-1996)
Where do your dancing feet take you on your summer travels? This strathspey is believed to contain the first Scottish Country Dance with a Chain Progression that was devised by Eric Forbes in the 1970s. The devisor made it clear hat the progression would be different in quick time vs strathspey time, but most dancers interpret it in the common RSCDS manner danced today. Assynt, located in the northwest Highlands of Scotland, is a region renowned for its rugged beauty and rich history. The landscape is marked by dramatic mountains, ancient lochs, and sweeping moorlands, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, Assynt holds significant archaeological interest with Neolithic and Bronze Age sites, including the enigmatic Clachtoll Broch. The area's history is also shaped by its connections to the Clan MacLeod and the Clan MacKenzie, with Ardvreck Castle standing as a haunting reminder of the region's turbulent past. Assynt's unique geological formations, like the striking Suilven mountain, further add to its allure, creating a picturesque and historically rich destination. ⛓️ 🕺 💃
Summer in Assynt
Assynt, a remote and rugged area in the Scottish Highlands, has a history steeped in both geological and human drama. This region is renowned for its ancient landscape, shaped by some of the oldest rocks in Europe, dating back nearly three billion years. The terrain, characterized by its distinctive mountains like Suilven and Quinag, was sculpted over millennia by glacial activity. Assynt's geological significance was further highlighted in the 19th century when it became a key area for understanding the principles of geology. The Moine Thrust Belt, a major geological fault line, runs through Assynt and played a crucial role in the development of modern geological science, attracting researchers from around the world.
Human history in Assynt is equally compelling. The area has been inhabited since the Mesolithic period, with evidence of early settlements scattered throughout the landscape. By the Iron Age, fortified structures such as brochs were constructed, indicating a society with advanced engineering skills. The arrival of the Vikings in the 9th century left a lasting impact, with Norse influence seen in local place names and cultural remnants. During the medieval period, Assynt was under the control of powerful clans like the MacLeods and the MacKenzies, whose rivalries and alliances shaped the region's history. The 17th-century Ardvreck Castle, perched on the shores of Loch Assynt, stands as a testament to these turbulent times. Today, Assynt's rich heritage and stunning natural beauty continue to draw visitors, offering a glimpse into both its ancient past and enduring cultural legacy.
For more on Assynts beauties and mysteries, click the Old Stoer Lighthouse!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
