Jessie Harper

A founder member of the South Argyll Branch in 1983, Jessie has held every office on the Branch committee.  She is currently Secretary, and has been class teacher since 1988.  Today a thriving Branch exists with over 70 members, with two children’s and two adult classes each week, and two major dances every year which attract dancers from all over the country.

Jessie was a member of the Executive Council from 1987 until 2002 when the new management structure came into force. Jessie’s primary aim has always been to encourage people of all ages to take up Scottish Country Dancing and she has particularly focussed on encouraging children.  She was a prime mover in establishing the Cowal Children’s Festival which has now been running for five years.  In the first year of the Festival, the Branch obtained lottery funding to support costs, and since then Jessie has been tireless in her efforts to obtain local sponsorship.

In the same vein Jessie has established and runs a family night on alternate Saturday evenings in one of the local village halls when children, their parents and grandparents are invited to take part in  Scottish and Ceilidh dancing.  Jessie was closely involved in the decision to present an Honour Board to the Society and in the fundraising necessary to purchase it.  She never misses an opportunity to promote Scottish Country Dancing by obtaining publicity locally for all events.  Her enthusiasm for Scottish Country Dancing remains undimmed and she is an excellent ambassador for the Society.