***UPDATE*** Merchandise now available!

The Haggis Protection Society is proud to offer Dunedin a true Scottish cèilidh. A social dance event for all ages.

Taking place on Saturday, 26 June our aim is to bring some mid-winter joy to the local community and show what fun Scottish events can be.

What is a céilidh?

A cèilidh (pronounce KAY-Li) is a traditional Scottish dance.

In its most basic form, it simply means a social visit. Today it means a big barn dance where everybody dances regardless of skill. Half the dances are formed in a ring and you change partners each set; others you dance with the same groups. The point is it’s a fun gathering where everyone’s involved.

The music is fun, fast, celtic and jaunty. It's how your granny and great-granny would have danced back in the day.

Do I need to know Scottish dances?

No. All you need is enthusiasm.

The most important person at a céilidh is the Caller. They will shout instructions, and everyone will follow along. Just watch the person in front if you get lost.

You’ll get the hang of it, provided you don’t run out of ‘puff’ too soon.

Dress code

If you have tartan, a kilt, or anything Scottish please wear those with pride. It’s not formal, be comfortable. It’s a barn dance.

Is there awesome merchandise commemorating the event?

There sure is! You can purchase t-shirts and tote bags here. The merchandise will be sent to your address afterwards.

What will happen on the night?

The event will be held at the University of Otago Main Common Room. Doors open at 7:30pm for a 8pm start and the dancing will go on until 11:00pm, so pace yourself!

We have a traditional Scottish cèilidh band performing and everyone; old and young, families, couples, groups will get together for dancing and a laugh.

There will be a bar available on the night. Light snacks will be included as part of the ticket price.

How to get there?

Off Cumberland Street: approx. 50m through the archway at the OUSA building at 680 Cumberland Street and access the main Union Building on the Right hand side. The main Common Room is in through the lobby on the left hand side.

From Albany Street: enter the University precinct between the Library and the Arts (Burns) Building (directly opposite the OUSA Clubs and Socs Building) and follow the pathway around to the left, then the right. Walk past the Union Hall on the Left and you arrive at the Union Lawn. The access the main Union Building is around to the left, behind Union Hall. The main Common Room is in through the lobby on the left hand side.

Ticket booking

Tickets are available online. Limited numbers are available so book quickly.

Adult tickets cost $30
Children tickets cost $15
Under (5s) go free

What is the Haggis Protection Society?

The Haggis Protection Society is a group of like-minded Scots who want to share their enjoyment of a right good cèilidh with the people of Dunedin.

The group (informally) formed on Saturday, 25 January 2020 when, during a celebration for the famous bard, we were moaning about not being able to go to cèilidhs like we used to in Scotland.

In decidedly non-Scottish fashion, we decided to stop moaning and organise one. Several serious meetings later, over a few pints, here we are with Dunedin’s premiere Scottish cèilidh.

The history of the Haggis

Now let's take a moment to consider the life of the sadly much maligned, lesser spotted Highland Haggis.

This remarkable species once roamed the Highlands of Scotland in vast numbers. However, due to their constant roaming on steep mountainsides over the years their right front and back legs became shorter than the left (outward facing) front and back legs. This way they could traverse the sides of the mountain and stay even.

While this allowed the Haggis easy travel over the steep Scottish mountains, it came with a draw back. They could only go around the mountains one way! This gave an advantage to the local Haggis poachers, who would deliberately scare the younger Haggis into turning, causing them to roll away into the misty windswept glen below, and they soon found themselves on the dinner table of a lucky Laird.

There are only a few Haggis left in the wild now, but the Haggis Protection Society pledges to support all the efforts being done to release captive bred ones back into the wild, help fund one-way haggis pathways around the mountains, and keep them safe from Haggis poachers for generations to come.

This event has been listed on - The DCC events page