About Scottish Dance Society
The Scottish Dance Society is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation based in Bellingham, Washington. The Society is dedicated to honoring the traditions of Scottish dance and sustaining the cultural performing art form through educational endeavors, activities and events.
Executive Director Heather Richendrfer is a Bellingham native. Highland dance and Scottish cultural performing arts are her life work. Her dance school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Heather is a Life Member of the British Association of Teachers of Dance and a member of the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing Worldwide Adjudication Panel.
In 2018 she encouraged the local community to assist her in bringing back a full-scale Highland Games to Whatcom County. That year the goal was achieved when the Bellingham Scottish Gathering was born.
Under her direction; the event was held again in 2019 featuring 14 bagpipe bands, 125 dancers and 110 pipers and drummers and 40 amateur athletes competing. The Covid-19 pandemic ceased plans for 2020 and 2021. In 2022 and 2023 the Highland Games were back with successful events.
2024 was a year of change as the Scottish Gathering moved to a new home. Hosted by the City of Blaine; the Highland Games site includes Marine Park and Semiahmoo Spit along the Salish Sea. The Bellingham Open Highland Dancing Championship was a new feature in 2024. Sanctioned by the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, the Championship returns for the June 7, 2025 Scottish Gathering.
