A young girl from Letham in Angus has hopped her way into the Highland Dancing history books.
Talented 11-year-old Jessica Baillie has just scored a winning double at the blue riband Cowal Highland Gathering to maintain a four-year all-conquering run on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Dunoon event attracts some 600 Highland dancers from every corner of the globe, each vying for glory in the Scottish and World championships over three days of energetic competition.
Once again this year, Jessica was triumphant in both the Scottish National competition for homegrown dancers and the next day’s Scottish Championship when the field opens up to international all-comers.
The latest repeat is the first time a dancer has scooped the Cowal double every year from age eight to 11 and Jessica’s success has thrilled her family and Forfar-based dance teacher Delma Wilson.
Jessica’s 2013 clean sweep of four gold medals in the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas and Highland Reel also won the Forfar Academy pupil the prestigious May Falconer Trophy as the top Scottish dancer in the Scottish Championship event.
Mum Sharon said: “We’re all so proud of Jessica and there were a few tears shed at the weekend.
“Jessica actually went to Cowal when she was just seven, and won her first gold medal in the eight years Scottish Championship.”
Next year the young star will have the opportunity to emulate her mum by qualifying for the Juvenile World Championships, which are open to dancers aged 12 and over.
“I last danced at Cowal when I was 14 and qualified for the World Championships when I was 14, but I’m sure Jessica has the potential to do a lot better than her mum did,” said Sharon.
Proud teacher Delma, who has coached a string of World, Commonwealth, European, British and Scottish champions, said Jessica’s place in the record books was well deserved.
“Highland dancing requires a huge amount of dedication and determination and Jessica has that in spades,” she said.
“To do the double each year for the past four Cowals is a super achievement and everyone in the school is so proud of her.”