History of Lochiel

The Lochiel Scottish Country Dance class started in 1958 as the Hamilton Caledonian Society, Inc., Scottish Country dancing class. Betty Aitchison was the Teacher, assisted by Greta Miller and Dan McLean. The weekly Thursday night class was held in the St Peters Church Hall, Victoria Street, Hamilton.

As class numbers swelled, up to 9 sets attending, the move to the Old Folks Hall in Clarence Street, in 1959 was welcomed.

In 1963 the class moved to the recently built Hamilton Caledonian Society’s new hall (now the firm Hamilton Party Hire) in Grey Street.

At the end of 1971, the Scottish Country dancing class severed its relationship with the Hamilton Caledonian Society Inc., formed Lochiel Scottish Country Dance Club and danced on Tuesday nights in the Fairfield Intermediate School Hall, Clarkin Road.

1974 moved to the Knox Presbyterian Church Hall in Albert Street.

2007 moved to its present site of St Johns Methodist Church Hall, Wellington Street.

For over 19 years, the club had the pleasure of Peter Elmes Scottish Dance Band from Wellington, for its Annual Balls and the Queen’s Birthday weekend schools hosted by Lochiel. Sadly, Peter passed away in 2020. There are now a number of different groups that play for our dances or we use our very goo sound system. The club has enjoyed making and setting up quite elaborate themes for the different functions we have held. These activities have brought the club members closer together in a friendly co-operative way.

Other activities have been barbecues, bush walks, memorable bus trips to other club Balls, twilight dancing, and trips to the theatre to name but a few.

The young ones are not forgotten. Over the years, the club has had many Junior members.

Lochiel celebrated its 50th anniversary with an Anniversary Dinner and Ball on 13^th September, 2008