Glen, I am delighted that you have been 'bitten' and I am sure you will have years of enjoyment (and good exercise) with SCD in the years to come. I do so miss my weekly fix as I have not really been able to dance for several years now, but I have the happiest of memories of social evenings, classes, demonstrations and Grand Balls over the years. As long as you know your rights from your lefts you will be fine

You have obtained your dance ghillies before I could advise you - but you have opted for one of the best makers, James Senior who, I believe, are located in St. Andrews, Fife. For many years, mine were made to order by Bobby Munro who was himself a beautiful and very talented Highland dancer. He is sadly no longer with us, but one of his 'apprentices' still makes the shoes here in Sussex.

Comments have been made about rubber soles on ghillies. I always had two pairs with me when attending unfamiliar venues, or when giving demonstrations on grass. One pair, those most used, had leather soles but occasionally a dance floor can be very slippery indeed - as can wet grass - and my second pair, with non-slip rubber soles, prevented many an embarrassing fall.

Enjoy!