by Lucy Ashton
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie is supporting a proposal to encourage school pupils to embrace their national culture ahead of Scotland’s World Cup campaign.
The MSP is asking schools across her Dumbarton constituency, which includes Helensburgh, Cardross and Lomond, to take part in the World Cup Day of Dance.
The event is designed to mark Scotland’s return to the FIFA World Cup by bringing together football, Scottish country dance and physical activity for a nationwide schools’ celebration.
Supported by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and the Scottish Association of Teachers of Physical Education, the celebration takes place on Friday, June 12th.
Primary and secondary schools across Scotland are being invited to take part in learning and performing World Cup-themed dances.
New routines created to mark the event include the ‘World Cup Wheech’, created by primary school pupils in Dumfries & Galloway, and a host of dances paying tribute to Scotland’s football hopefuls.
Scott McTominay and John McGinn, who will be asked to put their best foot forward.
The ‘Craig Gordons’, ‘Robertson Reel’ and ‘McTominay Two Step’, are just a selection of the traditional ceilidh routines to have been reimagined, paying tribute to on-field stars, including Scott McTominay, Kenny McLean, Lawerence Shankland and Kieran Tierney.
Dumbarton MSP, Jackie, said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup is a moment of real national excitement, and the World Cup Day of Dance is a brilliant way for schools to be part of that celebration.
“I would encourage schools across Vale of Leven, Dumbarton, Helensburgh and Lomond, to take part on June 12 and help make the World Cup Day of Dance a true nationwide celebration.”
The World Cup Day of Dance was officially launched at Barclays Hampden with former Scotland goalkeeper Alan Rough.
Gary Coull, Chair of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, said: “The World Cup Day of Dance is about using the excitement around Scotland’s World Cup journey to get young people moving, smiling and celebrating together.
“By bringing football and Scottish country dancing into school halls, playgrounds and PE lessons, we can show pupils that traditional dance is energetic, social and great fun.
“We hope schools across West Dunbartonshire and across all of Scotland will join us on June 12 and help turn this into a national celebration of sport, culture and participation.”
Dom Tollan, President of the Scottish Association of Teachers of Physical Education, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for schools to harness the excitement of the World Cup and use it to encourage physical activity in a positive, inclusive way.
“The World Cup Day of Dance gives teachers a fun and accessible activity that pupils can enjoy together, while building confidence, teamwork and healthy habits. We would love to see as many schools as possible taking part and helping pupils feel connected to a national moment.”
Pupils join Scotland legend at Barclays Hampden for nationwide celebration, bringing football and
Scottish country dancing together ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Scotland’s schools are being urged to bring traditional dance to the World Cup party as the country gets set to be gripped by football fever.