Interview with Susie Shields | Scottish Culture and Traditions

[bitheerani319]

Today we interview Susie Shields, our Scottish Head of Studies at What's Up! RamblaCatalunya.


Hello Susie, tell us a little about yourself.
Hi there! I am the Head of Studies in What's Up! RamblaCatalunya. I am from the city of Glasgow, on the west side of Scotland. I've lived in Barcelona for 3 years, but I am still passionate about my Scottish roots!

Can you talk about the most well-known customs in Scotland?

I think the first thing that comes to mind is whiskey! But apart greece phone number list drinking, we also have other well-known customs. Bagpipes (bagpipes), kilts (skirts for men!), and ceilidhs (Scottish dances) are a fantastic part of Scottish culture.

Does music play an important role in your country?
Of course! Walking down the main streets of cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh, you can hear bagpipes (the national instrument of Scotland) being played by street-performers. At weddings, it is very typical to have a ceilidh (Gaelic word for Scottish dance). At a ceilidh, you dance to a traditional folk band, who play instruments like the violin, accordion, guitar, drums, harp, bagpipes…The ceilidh music is cheery, fast and fun!

Tell us about «Scottish Dance», the upcoming event at What's up! Rambla Catalunya.
The Scottish Dance (or “ceilidh”, in Galeic) is lots of people dancing together to traditional folk music. You dance with a partner, or as part of a group. The steps are very simple, and it's very easy to learn quickly. At What's Up! RambaCatalunya, we will practice 2 or 3 dances, following the instructions and demonstrations of myself and our other Scottish teachers. First, we will learn the steps. Then we will dance!