More than 800 boys and girls from across the city took to the floor in the eighth annual Scottish Country Dance Festival held at Kelvin Hall International Arena yesterday.

The day-long dance-off is part of a number of activities organised by the council to encourage pupils to get active and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The P5, P6 & P7 children from 32 primaries across the city were taught a selection of popular Scottish country dances, including the Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons and Strip the Willow.

Councillor Stephen Curran, executive member for education and young people, said: "I know that the team have worked very closely with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society again this year in the planning and organising of the Festival.

"The dances are very popular in schools and no matter what

nationality, the pupils love giving the reels a go.

"It's a fantastic way for them to keep fit and have fun at the same time."

The children donned tartan sashes and kilts for the four-hour event, with live music provided by the John Renton Scottish Country Dance Band.

It follows hot on the heels of the highly successful Primary Schools Cross Country Championships which took place earlier this month.

The Glasgow City Council event saw nearly 1200 pupils battle the elements to take part in the run.

Andrea Crawford, Glasgow City Council's Primary Physical Education, Physical Activity, School Sport manager, said: "It's a fantastic festival that's very well supported by the schools across the city.

"It's a great way for the kids to learn about Scottish culture through dancing and a great opportunity for them to socialise and learn these new dances they will take with them through life.

"A great time was had by all, and you could tell that from the big smiles they had when they were dancing."

fiona.mckay@ eveningtimes.co.uk