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World Wildlife Day
Mar 3
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Busy as a beaver!"
Originally devised for a wedding, this lively and busy 4 couple jig is a whirlwind of figures, playfully mixing up the "seals" and "beavers" before culminating in a spirited hello/goodbye setting! On this day dedicated to wildlife protection, we turn our attention to the European beaver in Scotland. Once abundant, these industrious creatures vanished from the Scottish landscape in the 16th century, hunted for their valuable fur and castoreum.
After centuries of absence, beavers were reintroduced in 2009 as part of a trial project, and by 2016, they were officially recognized as a native species once again. Unlike some animals, Scottish beavers do not hibernate—you can spot them splashing and tail-slapping at the Scottish Beaver Trail in Knapdale, Argyll, at Loch of the Lowes, and in the Tay, Earn, and Forth catchments. As nature’s master engineers, beavers transform their surroundings by constructing dams, lodges, and canals, creating thriving wetlands that support a rich diversity of wildlife. Scottish dancers generally do not hibernate either, and can be found at their local dance hall, sleekly shod for seal-like slip stepping and busy as the proverbial tail slappers (or kilt flippers) learning new dances and perfecting their technique! Go Seals! Go Beavers! ❤️ 💒 🦭 🦭 🦭 🦭 🦫 🦫 🦫 🦫
The Seal and the Beaver
Scotland’s waterways and coastlines are home to two fascinating semi-aquatic mammals: beavers and seals. Once extinct in the wild, the Eurasian beaver has made a remarkable comeback in recent years, thanks to reintroduction efforts in places like Tayside and Knapdale. These industrious rodents play a crucial role in shaping wetland habitats, creating dams and lodges that support a rich diversity of wildlife. Meanwhile, Scotland’s rugged shores and islands provide sanctuary to both grey and common seals, which can often be seen basking on rocky outcrops or bobbing in the waves. From the lochs and rivers to the coastal waters, these creatures are key to Scotland’s natural heritage, offering a glimpse into the country’s thriving ecosystems.
Get an update on how beavers are faring by clicking the beaver below!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
