A GROUP of five talented young Highland dancers from the Island are fundraising to take part in an international competition in Basel, Switzerland, in November 2026, representing both their island home and Scotland on a global stage.
The dancers, who train at least twice a week with the Anne McIlroy School of Dance, regularly travel across Scotland most weekends to compete. Their dedication and hard work have already paid off, with three of the dancers recently winning multiple trophies at competitions.
For the island’s dancers, attending competitions comes with additional costs that mainland dancers do not face. Ferry travel to and from Bute is essential for competitions, adding unavoidable expenses that mount up over the season, making it more difficult for the dancers to access the same opportunities as their peers.
In just three weeks, the group has raised an incredible £1,000 through their GoFundMe page, thanks to generous community support. However, with flight costs rising significantly, the team is now seeking further help to cover remaining expenses such as accommodation and competition fees.
For dancers living on the island, opportunities like this are rare. Travelling to Switzerland would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not only allowing them to compete internationally, but also to meet other dancers, experience a new country and create lasting memories.
Sophie, one of the dancers’ mums, who is helping to organise the fundraising, said: These dancers are incredibly dedicated to their training and to supporting one another, and they work so hard for every opportunity they earn. Living on an island does make it harder for them to access opportunities further afield, which makes this trip to Switzerland even more special. Competing internationally would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them — not just because of the competition itself, but because of the amazing support they’ve already received from so many people.
Their dance teacher, Kathryn of the Anne McIlroy School of Dance, added: These dancers have shown outstanding commitment and determination, training consistently and travelling long distances to compete. To have the opportunity to dance on an international stage would mean the world to them. It would also be incredibly special for them to represent the Isle of Bute at such a high level of competition.
Funds raised will go towards: travel to and from Switzerland, accommodation during the competition, competition entry fees and related costs.
Supporters can contribute via GoFundMe or by shopping online through Easyfundraising, with every donation — no matter how small — helping to make this trip possible. Those unable to donate are encouraged to share the fundraising pages to help spread the word.
The group is also sharing updates on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, and is grateful for every message of encouragement and support from the community.
