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About Scottish Dance Society

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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.

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Executive Director Heather Richendrfer is a Bellingham native. Highland dance and Scottish cultural performing arts are her life work. Her dance school celebrates 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 is a year of change as the June 1st Scottish Gathering moves 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 is a new feature in 2024.
 
Semiahmoo Golf Club hosts the Scotland FOREver Day of Golf to complement the Gathering on May 30, 2024.

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