Port Glasgow schoolgirl crowned Highland dancing champion

Nine-year-old Arya Graham won her first championship title in Highland dancing at the Commonwealth Championship in Stirling on August 20.

The Jackson Dance and Performing Arts Studios pupil picked up first place in the Sword Dance and Seann Truibhas, second in the Strathspey and Half Tulloch and fourth in the Highland Fling to be crowned overall champion in the nine years age group.

Arya placed second in the Scottish Open Championship (Image: Ronnie Cairns)

Arya's mum Emma Louise Graham said: “It was very emotional watching her win the championship, with it being the Commonwealth too its a big win for her.

“We only came back from our holiday the week before so when she was called as champion, we were delighted for her and her teacher."

READ MORE: Port Glasgow dancer scoops Highland pre-championship title

Arya, who attends St Francis' Primary, had little time to soak in the win before travelling to Dunoon to compete at the prestigious Cowal Gathering for the first time a few days later.

The event saw young dancers from around the world come together on August 24 to compete for the Scottish Open title.

Arya saw off competition from as far afield as Australia to take second place overall, winning first place in the Seann Truibhas and joint-first in the Sword Dance.

She returned to the famous boards on August 25, where she also scooped the runner-up prize in the closed Scottish National Championship.

Mum Emma Louise said: “Arya really enjoyed her first Cowal.

The little dancer also picked up second place in the Scottish National Championship (Image: Emma Louise Graham)

“It’s been a goal of her's to dance there for a while now so she was really looking forward to it.

“She was sad on the Saturday after it was all over but she got a couple of pictures with Eilidh Gammons, the juvenile world champion, and Rebecca Thow, the adult world champion, and she can’t wait to go back next year.”