Up a double, Siding, Arming
Country Dances, Ancient and Modern

Early Sources of RSCDS dances

None of the dances published by the RSCDS before book 13 were devised by the RSCDS, instead they were considered "traditional" dances. Many dances published in subsequent books fall into that category as well. I have tried to track down the sources of these dances and display here the earliest published versions of the dance's figure which I've been able to find.

Note: this is often different from the earliest dance with that name. The dance's name was often the name of the tune to which it was danced, and many tunes had multiple figures attached to them, so care must be taken.
Note also: there may very well be earlier sources than "the earliest published version ... which I've been able to find". Many early sources have been lost to the ravages of time, and others have simply escaped my notice. And in other cases the publication dates are uncertain, and which is earliest may be indeterminate.

In some cases the RSCDS mentions a source. Often I have found earlier examples of the dance. Sometimes I have been unable to find the RSCDS source and will present the earliest source I have found.

When I know the deviser, I mark the name in italics. In most cases for these old dances I only know the publisher.

When a dance source is marked with "†" it means I have been unable to verify the source of the dance, when it is marked with "‡" it means I have been unable to find any Scottish dance manual containing this dance (prior to 1924).

Hovering the mouse over a dance's devisor/publisher will (often) produce a popup containing the text of the original.

By default the list below shows only traditional dances interpreted by the (R)SCDS. I believe that Book 34 (1986) was the last book to contain any traditional dances. Before Book 13 all (R)SCDS dances were traditional, but Book 13 contains The Reel of the 51st Division, the first published modern dance. No further modern dances were published until Book 22 (1963), and after that some books contained modern and some traditional dances until Books 31&34, which contains both.

At the end I have several tables of statistics.

Order by:
Include:
(R)SCDS Book Range:
Containing figure:

(R)SCDS Book 1, 1924

Rory O'More ~ Scottish
A Cosmo Mitchell, Aberdeen, ~1890
A Guide to Ball Room Dancing

(R)SCDS Book 2, 1925

Delvine Side
William Campbell, London, ~1800
Campbell's 15th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels
Greig's Pipes ~ RSCDS
William Boag, London, 1797†
A Collection of Favourite Reels and Strathspeys by the most Eminent Composers

(R)SCDS Book 3, 1926

The Eight Men of Moidart
Neil Stewart, Edinburgh, ~1761†
A Collection of the Newest and Best Reels or Country Dances
The Rock and the Wee Pickle Tow
Lowe, Edinburgh, ~1831
Lowes' Ball-Conductor and Assembly Guide

(R)SCDS Book 4, 1927

The Falkland Beauty
Lowe, Edinburgh, ~1831
Lowes' Ball-Conductor and Assembly Guide
The Foula Reel
Anonymous, Shetland, date unknown†
Highland Laddie
Anonymous, date unknown†

(R)SCDS Book 5, 1929

Duke of Hamilton's Reel
Johnson, London, ~1754†‡
Caledonian Country Dances Vol. II
The Punch Bowl
Anonymous, date unknown†
Scottish Ramble
Johnson, London, ~1752
Two Hundred Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 8
The White Cockade - RSCDS
William Campbell, London, ~1788‡
Campbell's Third Collection of the newest and most favorite Country Dances & Cotillions

(R)SCDS Book 6, 1930

I'll Mak' Ye Fain to Follow Me
William Boag, London, 1797†
A Collection of Favourite Reels and Strathspeys by the most Eminent Composers
Lennox Love to Blantyre
Anonymous, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, ~1730
Holmain MS
Lord MacDonald's Reel
William Campbell, London, ~1793‡
Campbell's Eighth Collection of the newest & most favorite Country Dances and Reels
Mrs. MacLeod
J. P. Boulogne, Glasgow, 1827
The Ball-Room, or the Juvenile Pupil's Assistant; Containing the Most Fashionable Quadrilles, with Les Lanciers of Sixteen, As Danced in the Public & Private Assemblies in Paris
Oxton Reel
Anonymous, Oxton, Berwickshire, date unknown†

(R)SCDS Book 7, 1931

The Braes of Tulliemet
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Highland Plaid
William Campbell, London, ~1788†‡
Campbell's Third Collection of the newest and most favorite Country Dances & Cotillions
Lady Mary Menzie's Reel ~ RSCDS
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
Ye'll Aye Be Welcome Back Again ~ RSCDS
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
Ye're Welcome Charly Stuart
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies

(R)SCDS Book 8, 1932

The Bleu Ribbon ~ RSCDS
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
Braes of Athol ~ RSCDS
Walsh, London, 1731
The Compleat Country Dancing Master vol 1
Lassie Wi' the Yellow Coatie
Johnson, London, 1742
A Choice Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 2nd
The Lovers' Knot
Anonymous, Galloway, date unknown†
Peggy's Love ~ RSCDS
Thomas Wilson, London, 1816‡
A Companion to the Ball Room
Tulloch Gorm
William Campbell, London, ~1796†‡
Campbell's 11th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels

(R)SCDS Book 9, 1934

The Birks of Abergeldie
Anonymous, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, ~1730
Holmain MS
Cadgers in the Canongate ~ RSCDS
Walsh, London, 1760
Country Dances Selected, Part 1
The Duchess of Atholl's Slipper ~ RSCDS
Longman & Broderip, London, 1790‡
Longman and Broderip's Fourth Selection of...Country Dances, Reels &c.
The Jimp Waist
Anonymous, Border Country, date unknown†
Madge Wildfire's Strathspey
John Sutherland, Edinburgh, 1820†
The Heart of Midlothian, Favourite Dances for 1820
Miss Clemy Stewart's Reel - RSCDS
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
My Love, She's but a Lassie Yet
Anonymous, Perthshire, date unknown†
New Rigged Ship
Anonymous, date unknown†

(R)SCDS Book 10, 1935

Crief Fair ~ RSCDS
Thomas Wilson, London, 1816‡
A Companion to the Ball Room
General Stuart's Reel
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
Lady Jean Murray's Rant ~ RSCDS
David Rutherford, London, ~1756‡
Rutherford's compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both Old and New, Vol. 1
Lady's Breist Knot
David Rutherford, London, ~1759‡
Rutherford's compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both Old and New, Vol. 2
Miss Mary Douglas ~ RSCDS
Thomas Wilson, London, 1816‡
A Companion to the Ball Room
The Montgomeries' Rant
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
The Scots Bonnet
Anonymous, Roxburghshire, date unknown†
There's Nae Luck Aboot the Hoose ~ RSCDS
Thomas Wilson, London, 1816‡
A Companion to the Ball Room

(R)SCDS Book 11, 1936

Dainty Davie ~ RSCDS
Henry Playford, London, 1701
The Dancing Master, 11th ed.
Inch of Perth
Bowman, Scotland, ~1761†
Invercauld's Reel
Bowman, Scotland, ~1761†
Johnny McGill
William Boag, London, 1797†‡
A Collection of Favourite Reels and Strathspeys by the most Eminent Composers
The Long Chase
Blantyre MS, Scotland, ~1805†
Monymusk
Preston, London, 1786
Twenty four Country-Dances for the Year 1786
The Moudiewort
Bowman, Scotland, ~1761†
Sleepy Maggie
Bowman, Scotland, ~1761†

(R)SCDS Book 12, 1938

Earl of Home
Nathaniel Gow, Edinburgh, ~1820
Grant's Rant ~ RSCDS
Thompson, London, 1770
Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1770
The Laird of Dumbiedykes' Favourite
John Sutherland, Edinburgh, 1820†
The Heart of Midlothian, Favourite Dances for 1820
The Reel of Glamis ~ RSCDS
Walsh, London, ~1735
Caledonian Country Dances, 2d Edition
Sodger Laddie ~ RSCDS
Walsh, London, 1731
The Compleat Country Dancing Master vol 1
The Yellow-Haired Laddie
Walsh, London, ~1737
Caledonian Country Dances. Book the Second

(R)SCDS Book 13, 1945 (Victory Book)

Barley Bree
Anonymous, Borders, date unknown†
Bridge of Nairn
Robert Bremner, Edinburgh, ~1765
A Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances
Fly Not Yet
Lowe, Edinburgh, ~1831
Lowes' Ball-Conductor and Assembly Guide
A Kiss for Nothing
Anonymous, date unknown†
Miss Cahoon's Reel
Robert Bremner, London, 1769‡
For the Year 1769. A Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances
The Reel of the 51st Division
Atkinson, Oflag VII-C prison camp, Germany, 1940
RSCDS Book 13
Strathglass House
Robert Bremner, London, 1769‡
For the Year 1769. A Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances

(R)SCDS Book 14, 1947

The Crooket Horned Ewie ~ RSCDS
David Rutherford, London, 1758
Twenty Four Country Dances of the Year 1758
Jimmy's Fancy ~ RSCDS
Thompson, London, ~1757
Thompson's Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol I
Keep the Country, Bonnie Lassie ~ RSCDS
John Rutherford, London, 1775‡
Rutherford's Compleat Collection of 200 of the most Celebrated Country Dances, both Old and New
Miss Nancy Frowns ~ RSCDS
Johnson, London, ~1752
Two Hundred Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 8
She's Ower Young to Marry Yet ~ RSCDS
Thompson, London, ~1757
Thompson's Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol I
Willie with his Tartan Trews ~ RSCDS
Johnson, London, 1750
A Choice Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 5th

(R)SCDS Book 15, 1949

The Gates of Edinburgh ~ RSCDS
David Rutherford, London, ~1756
Rutherford's compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both Old and New, Vol. 1
I'll Gang Nae Mair Tae Yon Toon
Thomas Wilson, London, 1825‡
Analysis of the London Ballroom
Lochiel's Awa' To France
Blantyre MS, Scotland, 1805
Lord Rosslyn's Fancy
Thomas Wilson, London, 1815‡
Le Sylphe, An Elegant Collection of Twenty four Country Dances, for the Year 1815
Theeket Hoose ~ RSCDS
Thompson, London, ~1757‡
Thompson's Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol I

RSCDS Book 16, 1951

The Birks of Invermay
Thomas Skillern, London, 1776‡
Skillern's Compleat Collection of Two Hundred & Four Reels and Country Dances
The Caledonian Rant ~ RSCDS
Thomas Wilson, London, 1816
A Companion to the Ball Room
The Duke of Atholl's Reel
Thomas Skillern, London, ~1776‡
Skillern's Compleat Collection of Two Hundred & Four Reels and Country Dances
Lady Harriet Hope's Reel ~ RSCDS
Thomas Wilson, London, 1816‡
A Companion to the Ball Room

RSCDS Book 17, 1953 (Coronation Book)

Bonnie Kate of Aberdeen ~ RSCDS
Thompson, London, 1771
24 Country Dances for the Year 1771
The Countess of Crawford's Reel
Johnson, London, ~1754†‡
Caledonian Country Dances Vol. II
The Gentle Shepherd
Anonymous, date unknown†
Keppoch's Rant ~ RSCDS
Johnson, London, 1750
A Choice Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 5th
Lucy Campbell
Anonymous, date unknown†
Miss Heyden
Anonymous, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, ~1730
Holmain MS
The Perthshire Highlanders
William Campbell, London, ~1796†‡
Campbell's 11th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels

RSCDS Book 18, 1955

Longwise Eightsome Reel
Hill MS, Aberdeenshire, 1841†
Off She Goes In the North
Hill MS, Aberdeenshire, 1841†
Prince of Wales
William Campbell, London, 1795†‡
Campbell's 10th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels

RSCDS Book 19, 1957

The Deuks Dang ower my Daddie
David Rutherford, London, 1756
Rutherford's compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both Old and New, Vol. 1
The Sandal
Thomas Wilson, London, 1813†‡
No. 21 of Button & Whitaker's Selection of Dances, Reels and Waltzes
A Trip to Holland
William Campbell, London, ~1793†‡
Campbell's Eighth Collection of the newest & most favorite Country Dances and Reels

RSCDS Book 20, 1959

Captain McBride's Hornpipe ~ RSCDS
William Campbell, London, ~1795
Campbell's 10th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels
The College Hornpipe - RSCDS
William Boag, London, 1797
A Collection of Favourite Reels and Strathspeys by the most Eminent Composers
The Express
Thomas Wilson, London, 1814†‡
Le Sylphe, An Elegant Collection of Twenty four Country Dances, for the Year 1814
Miss Bennet's Jig
William Campbell, London, ~1793†‡
Campbell's Eighth Collection of the newest & most favorite Country Dances and Reels
Miss Devon's Reel
D. Mackenzie, London, 1795‡
Campbell's 10th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels
Miss Jessie Dalyrymple's Reel
T. Straight, [Unknown City], 1783
24 Favourite Dances the Year 1783

RSCDS Book 21, 1961

The Buchan Eightsome Reel
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Maid of the Mill
Anonymous, date unknown†
Muirland Willie
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Stoorie Miller
Anonymous, date unknown†
Within a Mile o Edinburgh Toon
Cahusac, London, 1795‡
Cahusac's Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1795

RSCDS Book 22, 1963

Balmoral Strathspey
John A. Charles, Kawerau, NZ., ~1963
RSCDS Book 22
The Hamilton Rant
Robert M. Campbell, Ontario, Ca., 1963
RSCDS Book 22
Holyrood House
RSCDS Publications Committee, [Unknown City], 1962
RSCDS Book 22
The Laird of Milton's Daughter
Lord Craigmyle, India, 1950
RSCDS Book 22
The Last of the Lairds
Hugh A Thurston, Bristol, 1963
RSCDS Book 22
The Reel of Mey
George Smail, Belfast, 1963
RSCDS Book 22

RSCDS Book 23, 1967

The Auld Alliance
Jacques and Liliane Chamoin, Paris, 1967
RSCDS Book 23
The Dean Bridge of Edinburgh
Alec Hay, Auckland, NZ, 1967
RSCDS Book 23
The Glens of Angus
Douglas Henderson, Dundee, ~1967
RSCDS Book 23
Mrs. Hamilton of Wishaw - Drewry
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1967
RSCDS Book 23
The Swilcan
James B Cosh, Glasgow, 1967
RSCDS Book 23

RSCDS Book 24, 1968

Balquidder Strathspey
John Rutherford, London, ~1775‡
Rutherford's Compleat Collection of 200 of the most Celebrated Country Dances, both Old and New, Vol. 3
I Canna Buckle To
Anonymous, date unknown†
Ladies New Pocket Companion
The Mairrit Man's Favourite
Anonymous, date unknown†
Oh Whistle and I'll Come Tae Ye, My Lad
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Sailor
Anonymous, date unknown†

RSCDS Book 25, 1970

The Braes of Mellinish
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Bramble Bush
Anonymous, date unknown†
Miss Dumbreck
Hill MS, Aberdeenshire, 1841†
Saw Ye My Wee Thing
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Three Bonnie Maidens
Anonymous, date unknown†

RSCDS Book 26, 1972

Airdrie Lassies
Anonymous, Mr. W Brown, Airdrie, Lanarkshire, date unknown†
Fairly Shot O' Her
Anonymous, date unknown†
Lady Mary Cochrane's Reel
Anonymous, date unknown†
Lord Elgin's Reel
Anonymous, date unknown†
A Mile to Ride
Anonymous, date unknown†
The New Waterloo Reel
R. Owen, [Unknown City], date unknown†
Old Nick's Lumber Room
Thompson, London, 1759‡
Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1759
Sugar Candie
Anonymous, date unknown†

RSCDS Book 27, 1975

Duchess of York
Preston, London, 1797†‡
Preston's New Country Dances
Miss Nellie Wemyss
Anonymous, date unknown†
Nineteenth of December
Thomas Collett, London, 1775†‡
Twenty four New Country Dances. Published by Subscription
Tayport Beauty
D. Anderson, Dundee, 1897
Ball-Room and Solo Dance Guide

RSCDS Book 28, 1977

Bonnie Lass ~ RSCDS
John Young, London, 1710
The Dancing Master, Vol. the Second
The Cumbrae Reel
Anonymous, date unknown†
Euan's Jig
Anonymous, date unknown†
Miss Shaftesbury's Fancy
Anonymous, date unknown†
Mrs. Hill's Delight
Nathaniel Kynaston, London, 1710
The New Petronella
Anonymous, date unknown†
Pretty Polly ~ RSCDS
John Young, London, 1710
The Dancing Master, Vol. the Second
The Star
Hilton MS, [Unknown City], date unknown†
A Trip O'er the Tweed
John Young, London, 1710
The Dancing Master, Vol. the Second
Two to One
Anonymous, date unknown†

RSCDS Book 29, 1979

The Happy Meeting ~ RSCDS
Anonymous, date unknown†
Lord Kilmory's Delight ~ RSCDS
Walsh, London, 1710
Twenty Four New Country Dances for the year 1710
Ross Meor ~ RSCDS
Walsh, London, 1735
Caledonian Country Dances, 2d Edition

RSCDS Book 30, 1981

The Bawk
Alexander Bowman, [Unknown City], ~1750†
Bowman MS
The Cadies Lady
Alexander Bowman, [Unknown City], ~1750†
Bowman MS
The Guidman of Balangigh
Henry Playford, London, 1696
The second Part of the Dancing Master
Short and Sweet
John Rutherford, London, 1775‡
Rutherford's Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances, both old and new, Vol. 3

RSCDS Book 31, 1983 (Diamond Jubilee)

Margaret Parker's Strathspey
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1982
RSCDS Book 31

RSCDS Book 32, 1984

The Clansman
Derek Haynes, Carnforth, 1981
RSCDS Book 32
Geneviève's Jig
Martin Sheffield, Toulaud, Fr, 1982
RSCDS Book 32
Johnnie's Welcome Hame
Neil M Grant, Forres, 1982
RSCDS Book 32
The Lanes of Au
Michael Watson, Munich, Ge, 1982
RSCDS Book 32
Oriel Strathspey
Ian Simmonds, Wellington, NZ, 1982
RSCDS Book 32
A Trip to the Netherlands
Anna C Holden, Birmingham, 1982
RSCDS Book 32

RSCDS Book 33, 1985

It's just for Fun
Roy Fiddler, Stowmarket, 1984
RSCDS Book 33
MacLeod's Fancy
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1985
RSCDS Book 33
Stuttgart Strathspey
Eberhard Müller, Denkendorf, Ge, 1982
RSCDS Book 33

RSCDS Book 34, 1986

Couteraller's Rant ~ RSCDS
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
Glasgow Lasses - RSCDS
Walsh, London, 1748
Caledonian Country Dances Vol. II Part 1
Open the Door to Three - Menzies
Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749
The Register of Dances at Castle Menzies
Over the Water to Charlie (New Way)
John Wilson, [Unknown City], ~1750†
John Wilson's Aide Memoire

RSCDS Book 35, 1988

The Gentleman
Roz Scott Huxley, [Unknown City], 1986
RSCDS Book 35
Inverneill House
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1986
RSCDS Book 35
Mrs. Stewart's Jig
Frans Ligtmans, [Unknown City], 1986
RSCDS Book 35
The Trysting Place
Ian Boyd, [Unknown City], 1985
RSCDS Book 35

RSCDS Book 36, 1990 (Frae A' The Airts, Vol. 1)

Anniversary Reel - Muir
Sheila Muir, [Unknown City], 1987
RSCDS Book 36
Gang the Same Gate
Milton Levy, [Unknown City], 1990
RSCDS Book 36
Portnacraig
Linda Gaul, [Unknown City], 1988
RSCDS Book 36
Quarries' Jig
Kent W. Smith, [Unknown City], ~1990
RSCDS Book 36

RSCDS Book 37, 1992 (Frae A' The Airts, Vol. 2)

The Nurseryman
Stephen Brown, [Unknown City], 1988
RSCDS Book 37
The Reverend John MacFarlane
Gary W Morris, [Unknown City], 1990
RSCDS Book 37
St. Andrew's of Brampton
Ann Campbell, [Unknown City], ~1992
RSCDS Book 37
Wisp of Thistle
Pat Kent, [Unknown City], ~1992
RSCDS Book 37

RSCDS Book 38, 1994

Back to the Fireside
Roy Goldring, Leeds, ~1994
RSCDS Book 38
Follow Me Home
Ellie Briscoe, [Unknown City], ~1994
RSCDS Book 38
Mr. Robert H Mackay
Jürgen Munz, [Unknown City], ~1994
RSCDS Book 38
My Friend Joe
Robert M Campbell, Ontario, Ca., ~1994
RSCDS Book 38
Peggy Dewar
Joan Wright, [Unknown City], ~1994
RSCDS Book 38

RSCDS Book 40, 1999

Cutty Sark
Anonymous, 1992
RSCDS Book 40
The Royal Deeside Railway
Ron Arrowsmith, [Unknown City], 1987
RSCDS Book 40

RSCDS Book 41, 2000

Dancers' Wedding
Jimmie Hill, [Unknown City], 1998
RSCDS Book 41
Peggy's Strathspey
Eric Finley, [Unknown City], ~1998
RSCDS Book 41
Pelorus Jack
Barry Skelton, [Unknown City], 1993
RSCDS Book 41
S-Locomotion
Ken Jones, [Unknown City], 1998
RSCDS Book 41

RSCDS Book 42, 2002

Anna Holden's Strathspey
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1991
RSCDS Book 42
Anna Holden's Waltz
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1991
RSCDS Book 42
The Chequered Court
Duncan Brown, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 42
David Russell Hall
Ken Whittle, [Unknown City], ~2002
RSCDS Book 42
James Gray
Ronella Burrows, [Unknown City], ~2002
RSCDS Book 42
James Senior of St. Andrews
Jenny Bradley, [Unknown City], ~2022
RSCDS Book 42
May Yarker's Strathspey
Roy Goldring, Leeds, 1995
RSCDS Book 42
Ways in New Hall
Richard Adams, [Unknown City], ~2002
RSCDS Book 42

RSCDS Book 43, 2003 (Golden Jubilee Dances)

The Argyll Square
Roy Goldring, Leeds, 2000
RSCDS Book 43
Bea's Delight
May MacFarlane, [Unknown City], 2003
RSCDS Book 43
A Castle in the Air
Minnie Bänninger, [Unknown City], 2002
RSCDS Book 43
The Celebration Strathspey
Alan MacPherson, [Unknown City], 2002
RSCDS Book 43
Fifty Years On
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 2000
RSCDS Book 43

RSCDS Book 44, 2004

The 51st Travellers
Sandra Turton, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 44
Crathes Castle
Ted Willitt, [Unknown City], 1999
RSCDS Book 44
Festival Fling
Lily Davison, [Unknown City], 1998
RSCDS Book 44
Knotwork
Wouter Joubert, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 44
Starlight
Ed Abdill, [Unknown City], ~2004
RSCDS Book 44

RSCDS Book 45, 2005

Alan J. Smith
Andrew Smith, [Unknown City], 2005
RSCDS Book 45
The Dream Catcher
Eileen Orr, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 45
Napier's Index
Brian Charlton, [Unknown City], 2005
RSCDS Book 45
Preston Mill
Margaret Martin, [Unknown City], 2002
RSCDS Book 45
The Saltire Strathspey
Barbara Anglin, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 45
Sands of Morar
Barry Priddey, [Unknown City], ~2005
RSCDS Book 45

RSCDS Book 46, 2010

Barbara's Strathspey
Sue McKinnell, [Unknown City], 2006
RSCDS Book 46
Best Set in the Hall
Helen Greenwood, [Unknown City], 2010
RSCDS Book 46
The Bonnie Tree
Romaine Butterfield, [Unknown City], 2010
RSCDS Book 46
Christine M Phillips
John Brenchley, [Unknown City], ~2010
RSCDS Book 46
The Flower of Glasgow
Ruth Taylor, [Unknown City], 2010
RSCDS Book 46
The Gardeners' Fantasia
Pamela Cook, [Unknown City], ~2010
RSCDS Book 46
Scott Meikle
Alice McLean, [Unknown City], ~2004
RSCDS Book 46
The Zoologist
Duncan Brown, [Unknown City], ~2010
RSCDS Book 46

RSCDS Book 47, 2013 (90th Aniversary)

Aging Gracefully
Carlyn Bromann, [Unknown City], ~2013
RSCDS Book 47
Glastonbury Tor
Duncan Brown, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 47
It Wasnae Me
Marjorie MacRae, [Unknown City], 2006
RSCDS Book 47
The Kissing Bridge
Romaine Butterfield, [Unknown City], 2013
RSCDS Book 47
Linnea's Strathspey
Tim Wilson, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 47
The Mentor
Brian Charlton, [Unknown City], 2007
RSCDS Book 47
One O'Clock Canon
Ian Brockbank, [Unknown City], 1993
RSCDS Book 47
Vintage Simon
Dorothy Hargreaves, [Unknown City], ~2013
RSCDS Book 47
Welcome to Ayr
Jill Henricksen and Kathy Stewart, [Unknown City], ~2013
RSCDS Book 47

RSCDS Book 48, 2014

City of Belfast
Lucy Mulholland, [Unknown City], 2007
RSCDS Book 48
The Festival Man
Sheila Trafford, [Unknown City], ~2014
RSCDS Book 48
The Fireworks Reel
Anselm Lingnau, [Unknown City], 2009
RSCDS Book 48
The Golden Years
Nora Sutherland, [Unknown City], ~2014
RSCDS Book 48
Lady in Red
Simon Scott, [Unknown City], 2004
RSCDS Book 48
MacLeod's Wedding
Robert Coupe, [Unknown City], ~2014
RSCDS Book 48
Monica's Way
Gail Sibley, [Unknown City], 2007
RSCDS Book 48
Rougemont Castle
Duncan Brown, [Unknown City], ~2009
RSCDS Book 48
The Rutland Reel
Robert Senior, [Unknown City], 2010
RSCDS Book 48
Rye Twist
Sue McKinnell, [Unknown City], 2006
RSCDS Book 48
Sunshine and Sweeties Jig
Mervyn C Short, [Unknown City], 2011
RSCDS Book 48
The Tri-Mariner
Ann Dix, [Unknown City], 1993
RSCDS Book 48

RSCDS Book 49, 2015

The Countess of Dunmore's Reel
Deirdre MacCuish Bark, [Unknown City], 2012
RSCDS Book 49
The First Rain of Spring
Wouter Joubert, [Unknown City], 2015
RSCDS Book 49
The Library of Birmingham
Kenneth J Reid, [Unknown City], 2015
RSCDS Book 49
Midsummer Common
Tom and Lindsey Ibbotson, [Unknown City], 2013
RSCDS Book 49
Neil M Grant
Christine Grant, [Unknown City], 2012
RSCDS Book 49
Orpington Caledonians
John Brenchley, [Unknown City], 1987
RSCDS Book 49

RSCDS Book 50, 2016

La Baratte Your Way Home
Geoffrey Wood, [Unknown City], 2014
RSCDS Book 50
Mathilde Is a Delight
Raphaëlle Orgeret, [Unknown City], 2011
RSCDS Book 50
The Spring Fling Reel
Samantha Burton, [Unknown City], 2014
RSCDS Book 50
A Trip to Applecross
Nicola Scott, [Unknown City], 2013
RSCDS Book 50

RSCDS Book 51, 2017

Bohemian Reflections
Holgar Schuckelt, [Unknown City], 2017
RSCDS Book 51
Come What May
Romaine Butterfield, [Unknown City], 2010
RSCDS Book 51
Fair Enough
Liza Halpenny, [Unknown City], 2014
RSCDS Book 51
Hello-Goodbye
Chris Ronald, [Unknown City], 2012
RSCDS Book 51
The Somerset Children's Reel
Elizabeth Beckinsale, [Unknown City], 2015
RSCDS Book 51

RSCDS Book 52, 2018

Farewell to Balfour Road
Andrew Buxton, [Unknown City], 2018
RSCDS Book 52
The Scallywag
Jennifer Kelly, [Unknown City], 1997
RSCDS Book 52
The Ullapool Ferry
Pat Houghton, [Unknown City], 2015
RSCDS Book 52
Ysobel Stewart of Fish Hoek
Mervyn C Short, [Unknown City], 2016
RSCDS Book 52

RSCDS Book 53, 2023

Baldovan Reel
Douglas Henderson, Dundee, ~1960
RSCDS Book 53
Bonnie Gallowa'
Bill Little, [Unknown City], 1997
RSCDS Book 53
Chased Lovers
Tim Wilson, [Unknown City], 2015
RSCDS Book 53
City of Stirling Reel
Roy Goldring, Leeds, 2005
RSCDS Book 53
Elspeth Gray's Reel
Tom Toriyama, [Unknown City], 2019
RSCDS Book 53
The Falkirk Lass
Elaine Brunken, [Unknown City], 2002
RSCDS Book 53
The Galloping Carousel
John de Chastelain, [Unknown City], 1991
RSCDS Book 53
Jennifer's Jig
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1968
RSCDS Book 53
The Lochalsh Reel
Pat Burnett, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 53
Niles Roberts' Farewell to Pasadena
Doug MacDonald, [Unknown City], 1991
RSCDS Book 53
Nottingham Lace
Jenny Bradley, [Unknown City], 2011
RSCDS Book 53
Pinewoods Reel
John Bowie Dickson, [Unknown City], 1970
RSCDS Book 53
Seton's Ceilidh Band
Bruce Fordyce, [Unknown City], 1961
RSCDS Book 53
Something in the Air
Pam Stephens, [Unknown City], 2019
RSCDS Book 53
S8×32 2C/4C
Toast to the Mousies
Sara Gratiot, [Unknown City], 2016
RSCDS Book 53
The Water of Leith
John Wilkinson, [Unknown City], 2014
RSCDS Book 53
Ysobel
John Drewry, Aberdeen, 1973
RSCDS Book 53

RSCDS Book 54, 2025

Canadian Landscape
Karen and Scott MacCrone, [Unknown City], 2017
RSCDS Book 54
Dancing Forth
Bob Grant, [Unknown City], ~1999
RSCDS Book 54
The Darlington Dancer
John Brenchley, [Unknown City], 2020
RSCDS Book 54
Donna's Dancing Shoes
Francis Walduck, [Unknown City], 2014
RSCDS Book 54
A Hundred Years Since
Peter Knapman, [Unknown City], 2023
RSCDS Book 54
Kinclaven Bridge
Douglas Henderson, Dundee, ~1960
RSCDS Book 54
Mark and Susie's Jig
George T Watt, [Unknown City], ~2025
RSCDS Book 54
Miss Lucy Clark
Valerie Farr, [Unknown City], ~2025
RSCDS Book 54
A Tribute to West Renfrewshire
Vera McKechnie, [Unknown City], ~2025
RSCDS Book 54
Tullynessle and Forbes Hall
Edna Ewen, [Unknown City], 2008
RSCDS Book 54
The Waternish Tangle
Andrea Barfoot, [Unknown City], 2001
RSCDS Book 54
The Yorkshire Rose
Trish Reid Chester, [Unknown City], 2013
RSCDS Book 54

Miss Milligan's Miscellany 1, ~1977

Anderson's Rant
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Banks of Clyde
Anonymous, date unknown†
Brechin Lassies
Anonymous, date unknown†
Charles Stuart
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Gathering
Anonymous, date unknown†
Gramachie
Straight & Skillern, London, ~1775
204 Favourite Country Dances
Inveraray
Anonymous, date unknown†
Lady Dumfries
Anonymous, date unknown†
Lady Glasgow
Anonymous, date unknown†
Lady Home's Jig
Anonymous, date unknown†
Largo Law ~ Modified
Anonymous, date unknown†
Largo Law
Anonymous, date unknown†
The Munro Rant
Anonymous, date unknown†
Newington Assembly
Wilkie, London, 1794‡
The Ladies' Pocket-Book for the Year 1794
Odd Thoughts
T. Straight, [Unknown City], 1783
24 Favourite Dances the Year 1783
Queen Victoria
Kate Hughes, Dundalk, Ireland, ~1867
Kate Hughes' Dancing Book

Miss Milligan's Miscellany 2, ~1977

The Back O' Bennachie
D. Anderson, Dundee, ~1886
D. Anderson's Ball-Room Guide
Bonnie Geordie's Wig
G. Goulding, London, 1793‡
Twenty four Country Dances for the Year 1793
Bonnie Kitty
Thompson, London, 1762‡
Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1762
Happy Returns
Anonymous, 1794
The Ladies' Pocket-Book for the Year 1794
Hooper's Jig ~ RSCDS
Johnson, London, 1751
A Choice Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 6th
The Ladies of Dingwall
Anonymous, date unknown†
Miss Betty Boyle's Reel
Anonymous, date unknown†
Miss Christy Stewart
Anonymous, date unknown†
Miss Margaret Hill
Anonymous, date unknown†
The New Town of Edinburgh
Robert Bremner, London, 1769‡
For the Year 1769. A Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances
The Royal Visit
D. Anderson, Dundee, ~1880†
D. Anderson's Ball-Room Guide
La Russe
Kate Hughes, Dundalk, Ireland, 1867
Kate Hughes' Dancing Book
Sandy o'er the Lea
Thomas Skillern, London, ~1776‡
Skillern's Compleat Collection of Two Hundred & Four Reels and Country Dances
What You Please - Skillern ~ RSCDS
Thomas Skillern, London, 1780‡
Skillern's Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1780
Willie's Rare and Willie's Fair
Anonymous, date unknown†

Statistics

Number of dances published by city (or region)

[Unknown]168
London77
Aberdeen10
Castle Menzies9
Edinburgh8
Dundee6
Scotland6
Leeds4
Dumfriesshire, Scotland3
Aberdeenshire3
Glasgow2
Ontario, Ca.2
Dundalk, Ireland2
Oflag VII-C prison camp, Germany1
Shetland1
Roxburghshire1
Perthshire1
Stowmarket1
Toulaud, Fr1
Paris1
Wellington, NZ1
Oxton, Berwickshire1
Belfast1
Kawerau, NZ.1
Munich, Ge1
Mr. W Brown, Airdrie, Lanarkshire1
Auckland, NZ1
Birmingham1
Galloway1
Forres1
Denkendorf, Ge1
Carnforth1
Bristol1
Borders1
Border Country1
India1

Number of dances published by semi century

Unknown58
1650-16991
1700-174925
1750-179964
1800-184923
1850-18996
1900-19491
1950-199963
2000-204982

Number of dances by early publisher/devisor

Anonymous61
Thomas Wilson10
William Campbell10
Castle Menzies9
John Drewry9
Walsh8
Johnson8
Thompson7
David Rutherford5
Bowman4
Robert Bremner4
William Boag4
Roy Goldring4
Duncan Brown4
Thomas Skillern4
Hill MS3
John Rutherford3
John Young3
Douglas Henderson3
Romaine Butterfield3
John Brenchley3
D. Anderson3
Lowe3
Tim Wilson2
Henry Playford2
Preston2
Alexander Bowman2
Jenny Bradley2
Sue McKinnell2
Kate Hughes2
T. Straight2
Blantyre MS2
Mervyn C Short2
Brian Charlton2
Wouter Joubert2
John Sutherland2
Nicola Scott1
Margaret Martin1
Martin Sheffield1
Pat Houghton1
Pat Burnett1
Pamela Cook1
Pam Stephens1
May MacFarlane1
Nora Sutherland1
Neil Stewart1
Lucy Mulholland1
Neil M Grant1
Marjorie MacRae1
Michael Watson1
Nathaniel Kynaston1
Nathaniel Gow1
Pat Kent1
Minnie Bänninger1
Milton Levy1
Lord Craigmyle1
Robert Senior1
Peter Knapman1
Sara Gratiot1
Wilkie1
Vera McKechnie1
Valerie Farr1
Trish Reid Chester1
Tom and Lindsey Ibbotson1
Tom Toriyama1
Thomas Collett1
Ted Willitt1
Straight & Skillern1
Stephen Brown1
Simon Scott1
Sheila Trafford1
Sheila Muir1
Sandra Turton1
R. Owen1
Samantha Burton1
Ruth Taylor1
Roz Scott Huxley1
Roy Fiddler1
Ronella Burrows1
Ron Arrowsmith1
Liza Halpenny1
Robert M. Campbell1
Robert M Campbell1
Robert Coupe1
Richard Adams1
Raphaëlle Orgeret1
RSCDS Publications Committee1
Longman & Broderip1
A Cosmo Mitchell1
Linda Gaul1
Cahusac1
Elizabeth Beckinsale1
Elaine Brunken1
Eileen Orr1
Edna Ewen1
Ed Abdill1
Eberhard Müller1
Doug MacDonald1
Dorothy Hargreaves1
Derek Haynes1
Deirdre MacCuish Bark1
D. Mackenzie1
Christine Grant1
Chris Ronald1
Carlyn Bromann1
Bruce Fordyce1
Eric Finley1
Ann Dix1
Alec Hay1
Alice McLean1
Andrea Barfoot1
Andrew Buxton1
Andrew Smith1
Ann Campbell1
Anna C Holden1
Bob Grant1
Anselm Lingnau1
Atkinson1
Barbara Anglin1
Barry Priddey1
Barry Skelton1
Bill Little1
Ellie Briscoe1
Francis Walduck1
Lily Davison1
Jennifer Kelly1
Kent W. Smith1
Kenneth J Reid1
Ken Whittle1
Ken Jones1
Karen and Scott MacCrone1
Jürgen Munz1
Alan MacPherson1
John Wilson1
John Wilkinson1
John Bowie Dickson1
John A. Charles1
Joan Wright1
Jimmie Hill1
Jill Henricksen and Kathy Stewart1
James B Cosh1
Frans Ligtmans1
Helen Greenwood1
G. Goulding1
Gail Sibley1
Gary W Morris1
Geoffrey Wood1
George Smail1
George T Watt1
Hilton MS1
Jacques and Liliane Chamoin1
Holgar Schuckelt1
Hugh A Thurston1
Ian Boyd1
Ian Brockbank1
Ian Simmonds1
J. P. Boulogne1
John de Chastelain1

References

D. AndersonD. Anderson's Ball-Room Guide, Dundee, about 1886. May be found at Trinity College Library, Hartford CT, or the National Library of Scotland, or Cambridge University Library
"Ball-Room and Solo Dance Guide, Dundee, 1897. May be found at Württembergische Landesbibliothek, Stuttgart
AnonymousHolmain MS, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, about 1730
"Blantyre MS, about 1805. Found in "The Atholl Collection" at the A K Bell Library of Perth.
"Hill MS, 1841. I don't know where to find it.
"Ladies New Pocket Companion, undated. I don't know where to find it.
"Hilton MS, undated. I don't know where to find it.
William BoagA Collection of Favourite Reels and Strathspeys by the most Eminent Composers, London, 1797. I don't know where to find it.
J. P. BoulogneThe Ball-Room, or the Juvenile Pupil's Assistant; Containing the Most Fashionable Quadrilles, with Les Lanciers of Sixteen, As Danced in the Public & Private Assemblies in Paris, Glasgow, 1827. Found in the RSCDS Archives.
Alexander BowmanBowman MS, about 1750. May be found in the Laing Collection of the University of Edinburgh
Robert BremnerA Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances, Edinburgh, about 1765. May be found at Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen
"For the Year 1769. A Collection of Scots Reels or Country Dances, London, 1769. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
CahusacCahusac's Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1795, London, 1795. I don't know where to find it.
William CampbellCampbell's Third Collection of the newest and most favorite Country Dances & Cotillions, London, about 1788. May be found at the Cardiff University Library
"Campbell's Eighth Collection of the newest & most favorite Country Dances and Reels, London, about 1793. I don't know where to find it.
"Campbell's 10th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels, London, 1795
"Campbell's 11th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels, London, about 1796. May be found in the Havard University Library
"Campbell's 15th Book of New and Favorite Country Dances & Strathspey Reels, London, about 1800. I don't know where to find it.
Castle MenziesThe Register of Dances at Castle Menzies, Scotland, 1749. Found at the A K Bell Library, Perth
Thomas CollettTwenty four New Country Dances. Published by Subscription, London, 1775. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the British Library.
G. GouldingTwenty four Country Dances for the Year 1793, London, 1793. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the British Library
Kate HughesKate Hughes' Dancing Book, Dundalk, Ireland, about 1867
JohnsonA Choice Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 2nd, London, 1742. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
"A Choice Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 5th, London, 1750. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Library of Congress.
"A Choice Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 6th, London, 1751. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, Harding Mus.
"Two Hundred Favourite Country Dances, Vol. 8, London, about 1752. Found in the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library (EFDSS, Cecil Sharp House).
"Caledonian Country Dances Vol. II, London, about 1754. I don't know where to find it.
Longman & BroderipLongman and Broderip's Fourth Selection of...Country Dances, Reels &c., London, 1790. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, Mus.
LoweLowes' Ball-Conductor and Assembly Guide, Edinburgh, about 1831
A Cosmo MitchellA Guide to Ball Room Dancing, Aberdeen, about 1890. I don't know where to find it.
Henry PlayfordThe second Part of the Dancing Master, London, 1696
"The Dancing Master, 11th ed., London, 1701
John YoungThe Dancing Master, Vol. the Second, London, 1710
PrestonTwenty four Country-Dances for the Year 1786, London, 1786. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the British Library
"Preston's New Country Dances, London, 1797. I don't know where to find it.
David RutherfordRutherford's compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both Old and New, Vol. 1, London, about 1756
"Twenty Four Country Dances of the Year 1758, London, 1758. May be found in the Library of Congress, and the Havard University Library
"Rutherford's compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances both Old and New, Vol. 2, London, about 1759. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the National Library of Ireland, Dublin
John RutherfordRutherford's Compleat Collection of 200 of the most Celebrated Country Dances, both Old and New, Vol. 3, London, about 1775. May be found in Bibliothèque nationale de France, or Württembergische Landesbibliothek, Stuttgart
"Rutherford's Compleat Collection of 200 of the most celebrated Country Dances, both old and new, Vol. 3, London, 1775. I don't know where to find it.
"Rutherford's Compleat Collection of 200 of the most Celebrated Country Dances, both Old and New, London, 1775. I don't know where to find it.
Thomas SkillernSkillern's Compleat Collection of Two Hundred & Four Reels and Country Dances, London, 1776. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
"Skillern's Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1780, London, 1780
Neil StewartA Collection of the Newest and Best Reels or Country Dances, Edinburgh, about 1761. May be found in the British Library
T. Straight24 Favourite Dances the Year 1783, 1783
Straight & Skillern204 Favourite Country Dances, London, about 1775. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, Mus.
John SutherlandThe Heart of Midlothian, Favourite Dances for 1820, Edinburgh, 1820. I don't know where to find it.
ThompsonThompson's Compleat Collection of 200 Favourite Country Dances, Vol I, London, about 1757
"Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1762, London, 1762
"Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1770, London, 1770. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
"24 Country Dances for the Year 1771, London, 1771. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Bodleian Library, Oxford, Mus.
WalshTwenty Four New Country Dances for the year 1710, London, 1710. I don't know where to find it.
"The Compleat Country Dancing Master vol 1, London, 1731. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the British Library
"Caledonian Country Dances, 2d Edition, London, about 1735. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
"Caledonian Country Dances. Book the Second, London, about 1737. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
"Caledonian Country Dances Vol. II Part 1, London, 1748
"Country Dances Selected, Part 1, London, 1760. I don't know where to find it.
ThompsonTwenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1759, London, 1759. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow.
WilkieThe Ladies' Pocket-Book for the Year 1794, London, 1794. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Lewis Walpole Library, Yale University
John WilsonJohn Wilson's Aide Memoire, about 1750. RSCDS Archives
Thomas WilsonNo. 21 of Button & Whitaker's Selection of Dances, Reels and Waltzes, London, 1813. I don't know where to find it.
"Le Sylphe, An Elegant Collection of Twenty four Country Dances, for the Year 1814, London, 1814. I don't know where to find it.
"Le Sylphe, An Elegant Collection of Twenty four Country Dances, for the Year 1815, London, 1815. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the Library of Congress.
"A Companion to the Ball Room, London, 1816. Robert Keller's site says this may be found in the British Library
"Analysis of the London Ballroom, London, 1825. May be found at the Huntington Library, UC Berkeley Libraries, UNC Chapel Hill, Harvard University, New York Public Library, National Library of Scotland

Scans of old dance manuals are scattered about the internet. The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library, International Music Score Library Project, Scott Pfitzinger's Playford site, Richard Powers' website, Library of Congress, and The Library of Dance all provide primary sources. A number of other sites provide indeces of these sources: The Regency Dance site, The Library of Dance again, and my own site have all proven useful for finding old sources. Finally there is Robert Keller's index which does not provide sources directly but lists thousands of dances, the publications containing them, dates and a brief coded description of the figures. This last has proven invaluable for tracking down dances for which I had no complete sources.

And, of course, both the Scottish Country Dance Database and the Scottish Country Dancing Dictionary provide online descriptions of all the RSCDS books and often hint at early sources.

This website is copyright © 2021-2026 by George W. Williams V
Creative Commons License My work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Most of the dances have more restrictive licensing, see my notes on copyright, the individual dance pages should mention when some rights are waived.