Strip the Willow group aims to send record reeling

Organisers of a record breaking attempt are urging dancers from near and far to polish up their pumps and head over to Fort William next month.

 

"attachment_634896" "" "212"] The front page of the Oban Times reporting on the 'The Longest Strip the Willow in the West' in 1997.

 

On May 23, 1997 crowds gathered in Fort William High Street to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the West Highland Museum. Some 3,000 people lined the streets and hundreds danced for what was dubbed 'The Longest Strip the Willow in the West'.

 

Dancers stretched 750ft from the Grand Hotel to beyond the Royal Bank but no official count was made.

 

Then, on December 31, 1999 another mass reel was held in the Fort - 'The Last Strip the Willow of the Century'. Numbers were reported to have exceeded the previous one but once again no official record was made.

 

According to Guinness World Records, Unique Events Limited on behalf of the city of Edinburgh organised 1,914 people who danced the largest strip the willow as part of Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations at the 'Night Afore Fiesta' on December 30, 2000.

 

Both the 1997 and 2000 events were organised by local historian Chris Robinson.

 

Leading the charge this time around is local businessman and councillor Angus MacDonald with the help of the 'The Muckle Reel/An Ruidhle Mór' committee, which includes Spean Bridge musician Gary Innes and Ardgour songstress Mary Ann Kennedy.

 

Chris has been involved, too, in an advisory capacity and, having been given permission from Highland Council to close the road on Tuesday September 26, the team are now looking for clubs, groups, organisations and individuals to step up to the challenge.

 

Angus told us: "I was chatting to Maggie Wilson who runs Highland Hospice in Fort William and she suggested holding a dance to bring some life to the High Street.

 

"I knew there had been a previous record which got me thinking of setting a target and raising funds for the hospice at the same time.

 

"We have a fantastic committee and everyone is keen to make this happen."

 

Angus and his team are hoping that 2,000 people (in groups of 10) will line up on the night.

 

Mustering a mass musical accompaniment is Gary's job.

 

He told us: "I was delighted to be asked by Angus to co-ordinate the musicians for this world record attempt.

 

"It will be somewhat of a Lochaber All-Star Ceilidh Band taking to the stage and certainly a night, I’m sure, that will live long into the history of Fort William’s High Street.

 

"Be sure not to miss out, and you now have plenty of time, and warning, to dig out the old dancing shoes, brogues, boots or wellies and get them polished up, and of course all in aid of a terrific cause."

 

The record attempt will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday September 26, with participants asked to wear tartan.

 

To sign up you will need is a ‘set’ of 10 dancers , including a team leader who will be the point of contact for the team.

 

Tickets cost £5 per person. All ages welcome.

 

To buy tickets go to stripthewillow.eventbrite.co.uk

 

If you have any questions email: mucklereel@gmail.com.

 

Featured image: Loon Cartoons. NO_F31StripTheWillow_LoonCartoons

 

Extra pic (in January 2022 folder): The front page of the Oban Times reporting on the 'The Longest Strip the Willow in the West' in 1997. NO F02 OT strip the willow