Duncan MacLean

Duncan MacLean has been a member of the Glasgow Branch for over fifty years.   During this time he has served the Branch unstintingly in many roles.   He regarded himself as a "late starter" to Scottish Country Dancing, joining the Society in his 30s.  Very quickly, however, he committed himself to the activities of the Branch, becoming a certificated teacher and assuming responsibility for teaching Branch classes.   He soon established himself as a dancer of demonstration standard, and became a member of the demonstration team.   He remained a member of the team for over twenty five years, becoming during that time not only demonstration class teacher, but also demonstration group convenor.

He was responsible for negotiating visits to international folk festivals in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, as well as arranging many events in Glasgow and throughout Scotland.   During these visits he was a dancer and a musician, frequently playing his pipes for the team.  In particular Duncan was responsible for arranging a team to participate, along with other city representatives, in the "Glasgow Week" in Hamburg in 1974, liaising with the Council in what was a flagship expedition.   The visit contributed to the promotion of trade and tourism in Scotland as well as Scottish Country Dancing to several million TV viewers.   In 1972 Duncan led the team from Glasgow which danced in the well-known production "Yehudi Menuhin's Welcome to Blair Castle.  This film again brought Scottish Country Dancing to a wide audience.

Duncan undertook all these duties very conscientiously and with a deep sense of commitment to the aims and objectives of the Society.   Outwith the Branch, Duncan has taught several classes and he retired only a short time ago in that capacity, after 28 years of service.   He was admired and respected by his pupils and musicians alike.

Despite declining health and his stated intention to retire from active teaching and dancing, Duncan devotes much time to visiting events and dances, not only in Glasgow but also in other part of Scotland, participating when he can.   He continues to demonstrate an unwavering and genuine interest in all that is happening within the Society, as well as a deep concern for its future well-being.   He willingly gives advice when asked, and is happy to share experiences of the past for the benefit of the dancers of the future.

Duncan MacLean is awarded the Scroll for his sustained contribution and commitment to Scottish Country Dancing spanning more than half a century.