Travel firm helps dancers get to New York

A FORMER world champion Highland dancer almost had her hopes of performing at Tartan Week in New York dashed after struggling to raise enough money for the trip.

The all-female Assemble and Leap dance group, which includes 25-year-old Rachel McLagan from Silverknowes, was asked by organisers to perform at today's celebrations.

They spent six weeks organising fundraisers but fell short of their target. However, they contacted Barrhead Travel to see if the firm could help. It negotiated with its suppliers to arrange flights and accommodation for the dancers, and also gave them an extra $550 spending money for the trip.

The 11 dancers will perform at a lunchtime concert in New York's Hanover Square before joining in the National Tartan Day Parade down Fifth Avenue.