A SCOTTISH global superstar dancer has done it again and been crowned the best in the world.
Eilidh Gammons retained her Junior World Champion title for the second year in a row – and for the last time before she moves up to compete in the adult section – with four firsts at the Cowal Highland Gathering at the weekend.
The 17-year-old was the only Scot to win one of the top three prizes, with the other two going to Canadians.
Hermitage Academy pupil Eilidh had already won the North of England Championship, City of Inverness Championship, British Championship and Commonwealth Championship this summer ahead of Cowal.
Proud teacher Margaret MacInnes said: "Eilidh is every dance teacher's dream student and all of the Margaret Rose team are incredibly proud of her achievements.
"All leading to Cowal, where she won the Scottish National championship and the ultimate dream of every dancer, the world championship.
"Eilidh has worked so hard all year to raise her standard to win the world championship again.
"I am incredibly proud of her work ethic and how humble she is."
Eilidh's sister Catriona was also fifth runner-up in the Scottish National Championships.
She just finished a month of dancing at the Royal Edinburgh Tattoo.
Margaret added: "She is the best sister to Eilidh and her biggest supporter.
"We are so proud of Catriona and wish her well as she moves to England to start her new internship but she is and always will be a Margaret Rose dancer.
"One of the most beautiful girls who has been a Margaret Rose dancer from toddler to teacher."
Helensburgh and Lomond dancers had a number of successes.
Lacey Millar, from Rosneath and a student at the Fiona MacNeil School of Dance, was runner-up at the Argyllshire Championship at Cowal.
Margaret Rose School of Dance star Naomi Sim was crowned Argyllshire champion in the 12-13 years age group. She also won sixth overall in the Scottish Championship.
"Naomi is a hard-working, dedicated Margaret Rose Dancer who is a pleasure to teach," said Margaret.
Olivia Moffat, from Garelochhead, won three firsts and a fourth in the 11-years Argyllshire competition. She also won championship points in the Scottish National Championship.
Margaret said it was "a great achievement for a nine-year-old". She added: "We are all so proud of her."
Grace McGrath, 16, was runner-up in the adult competition, having just moved up, with a first and three seconds.
Fellow 16-year-old Rachel McVeigh was third runner-up in the adult Argyllshire Championship.
She recently also danced at the Commodore to entertain visitors from Thouars, France, but fell. Thankfully, she only had a sprain and rested for three weeks to dance at Cowal.
"Rachel was in pain but danced through it and danced beautifully," praised Margaret.
And Lucy Clark from Inveraray won the seven years beginners runner-up trophy, placing in all four dances in her section.
Margaret added: "Lucy is a delight to teach as she has her wee book where she writes down her corrections and goes home and practises. Well done, Lucy."
