Three local Highland Dancers flying to Scotland to perform

Submitted photo
From left, West Virginia Highland Dancers Kayla Harris, Eva Fincham and Gabby Pealer will travel to Scotland this weekend to perform.

ELKINS — Three local members of the West Virginia Highland Dancers will travel to Scotland this weekend to perform.

Gabby Pealer, Kayla Harris and Eva Fincham will leave Saturday for Edinburgh, Scotland. The trio will be joining the Sons of Scotland Pipe Band from Ottawa, Canada during performances in and around Edinburgh.

The pipe band will participate in the World Pipe Band Championship on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Glasgow, and will then perform in other locations. Band and dance performances are scheduled in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Glencoe.

While in Scotland, the three dancers, accompanied by their instructor, Katy Dillon, will be staying at Napier University in Edinburgh. They are looking forward to exploring the city and surrounding area, officials said.

This will be Pealer’s third trip to Edinburgh with the band.

“I am so glad to visit the city again,” she said. “This time is extra special because two dancers who I have been helping to teach are also getting this opportunity!”

The West Virginia Highland Dancers have become a beloved institution in the Elkins community for the past 25 years.

Members of the group have won awards at the regional and national levels, danced abroad in military tattoos, and even performed for the Queen of England.

More than 10 members of the group have gone on to complete their teaching certifications through the British Association of Teachers of Dancing.

The West Virginia Highland Dancers is a performance and competition group. The group offers classes in the Elkins area, as well as online classes via Zoom. Dancers range in age 3 through adult. The group is directed by Katy Dillon.

Those interested in helping sponsor the dancers’ experience can contact Dillon at 304-642-0206, or email wvhighlanddancers@gmail.com for more information.