The RSCDS Archives

The Archivist is Marilyn Healy 

The archive comprises the Society’s collection of books, manuscripts, papers, photographs, press cuttings, photographs, records, cassettes, CDs, tapes and videos.  The role of the archivist is to preserve the records of the SCDS (now the RSCDS) and its branches and to help researchers trace the role of the RSCDS in the evolution of Scottish country dancing.  The archivist does not necessarily conduct research, but tries to respond to queries sent in by members and make the archive accessible.

The archive of The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society was established in 1979 by Alastair MacFadyen, archivist until 1990.

Marilyn’s aim is to develop the archive for present and future members and researchers by a programme of purchases and encouraging bequests and donations relating to Scottish Country Dancing, the Society and its branches or Scottish dance and music. 

The catalogue lists upwards of 1500 items but is limited in its scope.  It is currently being expanded and the aim is to include the names of the dances for which the instructions are included in the various manuscripts, books and leaflets, rather than merely the title of a book or set of leaflets, so that we know whether we have, and can locate, the original instructions for any dance. 

The archives also contain ‘The Peel Index’.  This is a card index system with approximately 3,500-4,000 general references to information pertaining to SCD, collected by Barbara Peel while researching country dance and personnel in the area around York.  The index is being transferred to an electronic version.  It does not claim to be comprehensive but, in due course, it is hoped that members will be able to add further details under the headings: bibliography, musicians, publishers, teachers, dances and newspaper and periodicals.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

When the expanded catalogue and the electronic version of The Peel Index are complete they will be available on the web-site for access by members and researchers but it must be emphasised that this is a long-term plan.