SALMOND SUPPORTS DANCERS’ CHINESE DREAM

LOCAL GROUP DANCES ITS WAY TO INTERNATIONAL ACLAIM

Gordon MSP Alex Salmond is backing a group of local Highland dancers who are this week journeying across the world to the Beijing International Cultural Tourism Festival.

They are the only UK representatives invited to participate in the high profile event which focuses on building relationships between China and the rest of the world.

The 10 dancers and a piper - who all hail from the North East and meet for weekly practices in Insch - have already won Scottish, British and Commonwealth championships.

Commenting Mr Salmond said:

“The Brenda Gordon School of Dance is not only representing the North East at this competition, but the whole of Scotland.

“I was honoured to watch the dancers perform this week and I know that that they are a credit to the area and to the practice of Highland dancing in general.

“On my visit to China earlier this year I found both the people and officials alike to be extremely interested, not only in Scottish trade but also in Scottish traditions and I’m sure the dancers will receive a fantastic welcome.

“It’s a great achievement – and one that they are undertaking for the second time. I wish them all the best with their substantial fundraising efforts and with the trip itself, the memories of which they are sure to treasure.”