It’s one of Edinburgh’s most iconic events and for the month of August, StFX student Scout McKee will be part of it.
Ms. McKee, a third year physics student from Fredericton, NB and a longtime highland dancer, has been selected to perform in the iconic 2022 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
“It’s a dream come true,” says Ms. McKee, selected as one of 50 highland dancers to perform at the world-renowned Tattoo, held nightly from Aug. 5-27 at the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade. The Tattoo celebrates the skills and talents of military bands and display teams from throughout the world, celebrating musicians and performers from across the globe.
“I’m beyond excited and very grateful. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for awhile,” says Ms. McKee, who had to submit a written application as well as undergo a video audition to the considered as a performer.
The Tattoo, with a history stretching back almost seven decades, is making its return after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms. McKee, who has travelled to Scotland to compete before and has been a spectator at the Tattoo, says she will be looking forward to reuniting with friends from around the world who she’d normally see at competitions. She is also looking forward to experiencing the team aspect of the event, and getting to know her fellow dancers and castmates.
Ms. McKee began dancing at age seven. In her hometown of Fredericton, she is taught by Nicole Odo, and while in Antigonish, she dances under the tutelage of Janice MacQuarrie. She says there’s so much she enjoys about it, from keeping active to the social side. But it’s the dance itself that appeals most.
“It’s just the feeling I get when I’m dancing.”
At StFX, she’s been the recipient of a NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award valued at $7,500 and spent last summer as a student research assistant with physics professor Dr. Peter Poole studying supercooled water.
She is also part of the StFX Rowing team, a sport she took up upon coming to StFX.
“It’s busy, but it’s all things I enjoy and all things I’m choosing to do.”
She says being involved with highland dancing and with rowing have been good for her, good to clear her head and help keep her focused when studying.
