Fearchar MacNeil at the Albert Hall

Fearchar MacNeill was the first solo step dancer of any kind to appear the EFDSS (then the EFDS) national featival at the Royal Albert Hall.  

Fearchar was born on the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides and learned to dance from his grandfather, Neil Buchanan, who in turn had acquired his material from older dancers who can be traced back to Ewan MacLachlan (the “Ewan of the Short Arms” referred to in the programme).

Fearchar performed three dances, of which perhaps the most interesting is Aberdonian Lassie, a dance for which he is our main source of information.

Quite how he came to be invited is unclear however the programme that year included several Scottish and Irish items.

His appearance was widely reported, particularly as the account appears to have been syndicated to many papers who rewrote the story to suit their nreadership.  A selection are given below.