Colonel John MacDonell of Lochgarry Prize for Best Male Highland Dancer

The Colonel John MacDonell of Lochgarry Prize for Best Male Highland Dancer (North America) is named after a famous Clan Donald warrior who commanded the 76th Regiment of Foot (MacDonald’s Highlanders) of the British army. It was a Scottish Light Infantry regiment raised in 1777 by Clan Donald from clansmen in the west of Scotland and western isles of Scotland. Modern Highland Dancing has its roots in the ritualistic and combative dances of regiments like the 76th that imitated the epic deeds and martial skills of Highland warriors. The Sword Dance, the Dirk Dance, and the Highland Fling were at one time only danced by men. However, since the late 19th century, the number of females participating in the sport has increased until today in excess of 95% of all dancers are female. The purpose of the MacDonell of Lochgarry Prize is to encourage more boys to take up Highland dancing and more men to participate in Highland Dance competitions.