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1960
The first official event to take place in the newly refurbished Pavilion Ballroom was a dance advertised in the Ross Shire Journal of 26th February 1960 to take place on the 11th March, 1960.
Mar 11 The first dance was sponsored by the Village Council who presented the “First Dance of the 1960 Season” in the newly decorated Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer. It took place on Friday 11th March, from 9.00 p.m. – 1.30 a.m. and music was provided by the Strathpeffer Scottish Dance Band. A late licence was applied for and admission was 5/-. Transport was advertised as leaving Invergordon at 8.30 p.m., GPO Inverness at 8 p.m., Resolis at 8.30 p.m. and Rosemarkie at 8.30 p.m. with all buses picking up passengers in between.
Mar 18 Caberfeidh Shinty Club present a Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer with Old Tyme and Modern Dancing to the NORTHERN LIGHTS SCOTTISH DANCE BAND From 9.30 p.m. – 1.30 a.m. Admission 5/- Licence applied for. Rights of admission reserved Transport: Departing Beauly at 8.30 p.m. via Muir of Ord, Conon and Dingwall. Departing Invergordon at 8.30 p.m. via Alness, Evanton and Dingwall. Departing Jemimaville at 8.15 p.m. via Resolis, Cullicudden, Culbokie, Leanaig and Conon Bridge. Departing Rosemarkie at 8.15 via Fortrose, Avoch, Munlochy, Tore, Leanaig and Conon Bridge. Returning after the dance.
The transport arrangements above were typical of the routes and timings available to patrons of the Pavilion and did not vary much in subsequent years.
Apr 1 The official opening of the refurbished Pavilion took place on the 1st April. There was a Highland Ball for 400 invited guests in the evening. Jack Sinclair’s Band provided the music and a very special cabaret along the lines of “The kilt is my delight” was directed by well-known TV personality and dancer, Bobby Macleod. The show was compered by Alastair McHarg, the popular Scots ballad singer. There was a first-class buffet provided by the Pavilion staff under the direction of Mr and Mrs Bodell of the Ben Wyvis Hotel.
On the same evening there was a dance in the Highland Hotel sponsored by Highland Lass Darts Club. Music for Old Tyme and Modern Dancing was supplied by the Strathpeffer Scottish Dance Band. 9 – 1.30 Admission 5/- This Grand Dance was billed as taking place on Friday 1st April 1959 (!)
Apr 8 Caberfeidh Shinty Club Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer with music by the Northern Lights Dance Band.
Apr 15 Aberdeen University Charities Campaign present a Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Manhattan Band
Apr 22 Strathpeffer Village Council present a Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Manhattan Band 5/- Licence applied for.
Meanwhile in nearby Dingwall on the same night there was competition from Northern Border Dances who were promoting a different kind of attraction. This was
Apr 29 Victory Hall Improvement Fund Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by Cameron Kerr Scottish Dance Band
May 6 Caberfeidh Shinty Club presents by popular request Andrew Rankine and his Famous Scottish Broadcasting Band Playing for Modern and Old Tyme Dancing in the luxurious Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer at 9.30 p.m. Music by the Manhattan Band
May 13 Ross Shire Roads Cycling Club Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Ambassadors
May 20 Strathpeffer Village Council Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Dancing to the North of Scotland Jazz Champions the Ambassadors Orchestra.
There was also a recent meeting held at the Pavilion at which the Ross Shire Branch of the Highland Car and Motor Cycle Club was formed. Office bearers appointed were: Chairman, Mr J H Ryan, Strathpeffer Vice chairman, Mr Christie Sutherland, Dingwall Secretary, Mr Donald Ross, Dingwall.
May 27 Ross County FC Amenities Association Committee Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer During the evening the draw for the Grand Free Gift Scheme will take place. All counterfoils must be returned to Mr J Macdonald, 8 Peffery Road, Dingwall by 25th May at the very latest. Dancing to Jimmy Wilson and his “Rock Happy” Melotones (pictured L to R from 1958: Bob Hunter, Eck Wilson, Willy Wilson and Jimmy Wilson).
The Melotones grew out of the nucleus of the Jimmy Stewart Dance Band, popular in the late 40s and early 50s. Jimmy Stewart (fiddle and alto sax) played with Paddy Brown (accordeon), Jimmy Wilson (piano) and Jock Maclennan (drums) who was drum major with Dingwall Pipe Band. Willie Wilson joined on bass and was followed by his brother Eck in 1952. When the three brothers left to form the Melotones, a name suggested by Jimmy, the other members of the Jimmy Stewart band, including Jimmy Stewart himself, transferred to the new band. Paddy Brown did not last long in the Melotones on account of the travelling he had to do. He worked on pylons in the Durness area and frequently made the trip south by motorbike with his accordeon strapped to his back, no case, just the accordeon, and in all weathers. During the 50s National service was still compulsory. However Jimmy was at Kinloss for part of his and was able to get away some weekends to play. The membership of the band was somewhat fluid at this time, Willie having to do his service too, and Eck ending up in Germany. Fergie Brown, who had joined by this time did his service at Rosyth and was able to get home on occasions. The band played locally, sometimes for the men in the hydro camps and Reed and Malik. By 1958 the band had settled into an 8 piece: Jimmy Wilson (piano), Eck Wilson (drums), Willie Wilson (bass), Bob Hunter (guitar), Paddy Leslie (alto sax), Ronnie Reid (tenor sax), Jimmy Stewart (fiddle) and Fergie Brown (trumpet). During their set they sometimes became "The Skiffletones" doing more upbeat numbers. The dances in Dingwall Town Hall were generally held on a Saturday night and were evenly divided out between the Melotones, The Ambassadors, The Blue Star (from Balintore), Dunbar's Band (Dodo Ross's accordeon band) and the Manhattan Band. In 1959 the Melotones were the first band in the Highlands to play for the emerging coach tour parties, bussed up from the South by Harry McGhee to the Ben Wyvis Hotel. Jimmy had already been playing piano for their entertainment when Harry McGhee suggested including some dancing. Jimmy Wilson was being groomed to be the compere of the new Highland Cabaret but was tragically killed in a car accident in February '62. Eck stepped in at the suggestion of Mr McGhee and did the job from 1962 until the last show in 1978.
Jun 1 Highland Lass Estate Darts Club invite you to come dancing to Andrew Rankine and his Band in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer On Wednesday 1st June 1960 9 – 1.30 5/- Licence applied for
Jun 3 Caberfeidh Shinty Club presents Lindsay Ross and his Popular BBC Scottish Dance Band Playing for Modern and Old Tyme Dancing in the Magnificent Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer. Rights of admission reserved 5/- Licence applied for
Jun 10 British Legion (Scotland) Strathpeffer Branch Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Dancing to Cameron Kerr’s Scottish Dance Band. 5/-
Again in Dingwall on the same night Northern Border Dances were this time promoting the following:
Jun 17 Victory Hall Improvement Fund Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by Sandy Mackenzie's Scottish Dance Band.
Jun 24 Caberfeidh Shinty Club presents by popular demand Jim McLeod and his Famous Scottish Broadcasting Band Playing for Modern and Old Tyme Dancing in the Luxurious Spa Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer.
Jul 1 Caberfeidh Shinty Club Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer at 9.30 Music by the Hawthorn Accordion Broadcasting Band.
Jul 2 Mid Ross Young Farmers Club Grand Dance after Sheep Dog Trials at Alness in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer at 8 p.m. Music by the Ambassadors. Admission 5/-. Late licence till 11.30 p.m. Also light refreshments. Transport returns to Dingwall after dance at 11.30 p.m.
Jul 8 Victory Hall Improvement Fund Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Strathpeffer Dance Band.
There being no dance on the 13th July many patrons could have headed for this exotically advertised dance, which was part of Dingwall Gala Week. It bears the hallmarks of the Melotones' sense of humour.
Jul 15 Strathpeffer Bowling Club Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Modern and Old Tyme Dancing to Sandy Mackenzie and his popular Scottish Dance Band.
Jul 16 King George’s Jubilee Trust – Lord Lieutenant’s Appeal Grand Fête in the Pavilion Grounds, Strathpeffer on Saturday 16th July 1960. To be opened at 2.30 by General Sir Richard O’Connor, Lord Lieutenant. Stalls – Produce, Fruit and Flowers, Cake and Candy, Gift, Bottle Side shows – All the fun of the Fair! Tea 2/- Dance to follow at 8 p.m. in the Pavilion Ballroom Music by the Melotones Admission 3/6
(Note – this fête raised the sum of £549 for the Appeal).
Jul 22 Strathpeffer Village Council Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Melotones.
Jul 29 British Legion (Scotland) Strathpeffer Branch Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Dancing to Ian Johnstone and his Scottish Dance Band
Aug 5 Caberfeidh Shinty Club presents the return visit of Jim McLeod and his Scottish Dance Band of Recording and TV Fame in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer.
Aug 12 Strathpeffer Bowling Club Modern and Old Tyme Dancing to the popular Wick Scottish Broadcasting Band in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer.
On the 12th August Dingwall Town Hall was the venue for another strong attraction. This time Duffy Power made a re-appearance along with Cass and The Casanovas and the young talented band from Ayrshire, Ronnie Watt and the Chekkers.
Aug 19 British Legion (Scotland) Strathpeffer Branch Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Strathpeffer Dance Band.
On Thursday 25th August it was the turn of the Northern Meeting Rooms, Inverness to provide an alternative to the Pavilion. Although it was not on the same night as the regular Friday Pavilion dance many prospective patrons may have been tempted to spend their dance money on seeing Wee Willie Harris and his Group, supported by Bill Geddie and the Hi-Fives.
Aug 26 Caberfeidh Shinty Club Lindsay Ross BBC Scottish Dance Band in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer
Aug 27 Ross and Cromarty National, Liberal and Unionist Associations Grand Fête in the Spa Pavilion, Strathpeffer at 3 p.m. Fête to be opened and addressed by Major Niall Macpherson, M.P., Under Secretary of State for Scotland. Stalls – Shinty Tournament – Dance 3/6
Sep 2 Strathpeffer Bowling Club Modern and Old Tyme Dancing in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Hawthorn Broadcasting Band.
Sep 16 Caberfeidh Shinty Club presents The Gie Gordons Radio and Stage Band in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer.
Sep 23 Strathpeffer British Legion Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Cameron Kerr and his Broadcasting Band.
Sep 30 Strathpeffer Village Council Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Andrew Rankin’s Scottish Broadcasting Band.
Oct 7 Ross Shire Roads Cycling Club Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Lindsay Ross and his Broadcasting and TV Band.
Oct 14 Caberfeidh Shinty Club present Andrew Rankine and his Broadcasting Band in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer at 9 p.m.
Oct 20 The Event Of The Season Ross Shire County Ball Association (proceeds in aid of King George V Jubilee Trust Appeal) COUNTY BALL in the Pavilion, Strathpeffer on Thursday 20th October 1960 at 8 p.m. Dance to Jim Macleod’s Scottish Broadcasting Orchestra and the Melotones Cabaret Bobby Watson and his TV Dancing Team Dinner – Dance – Breakfast Tickets 55/- from Duncan and Duncan, Park House, Dingwall.
Oct 21 Victory Hall Improvement Fund Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer A. Cameron Kerr’s Scottish Dance Band.
Big ad advertising the Spa pavilion and Ballroom.
Oct 28 Strathpeffer Village Council Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer The Melotones Dance Band.
Nov 4 Strathpeffer Highland Gathering Association Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Music by the Highlandaires Dance Band.
Nov 10 Ross and Cromarty Police Ball in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer on Thursday 10th November 1960 at 9 p.m. Music by Ian Powrie’s Scottish TV and Broadcasting Band.
Nov 11 Highland Lass darts Club Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Lindsay Ross and his Broadcasting Band.
Nov 25 Ross County FC Amenities Committee Grand Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Ambassadors Orchestra.
Dec 2 Dingwall and District Motor Ball Committee present their Annual Ball and Buffet in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer at 9 p.m. Tickets 16/- available at local garages.
Dec 9 Dingwall Fire Brigade Club Lindsay Ross and his Scottish Dance Band in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer In aid of Charities.
Dec 23 Black Isle Farmers Society Annual Ball in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer Admission by ticket 15/- from M W Bethune (Secy), Glentyan, Culbokie, Conon Bridge.
Dec 30 “The Dance of the Year” Lochussie Football Club presents Heat of Daily Express Beauty Queen Contest At a Dance in the Pavilion Ballroom, Strathpeffer at 9 p.m. Lindsay Ross and his Scottish Dance Band.
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