YOUNG girls are invited to put on their dancing shoes for a night of Scottish traditions at the Warwick Caledonian Society Debutante Ball.

Following a tradition that dates hundreds of years, this year’s ball will take place in St Mary’s Hall on May 14, with nominations currently being taken for debutantes.

Organiser Anne Coy said the night was “very traditional with a lovely Scottish flavour”.

“We like to keep up the Scottish traditions,” she said.

“The debutantes wear handmade sashes and are presented through sword bearers.

“This year we have the band Cloud Nine playing.”

Mrs Coy said Scots PGC principal Simon Shepherd would receive the debutantes this year.

“The debutantes will receive scotch thistles as bouquets, as a memento they can keep,” she said.

“There will be a mixture of dances – young people dances, highland dancing and ballroom dancing as well as lovely pipe music.”

Mrs Coy said practice for the ball had recently started with the next practice on Wednesday.

“Our next practice is on Wednesday at the Scots PGC assembly hall, from 7-8pm,” she said.

“We will have five more sessions before the ball.”

Mrs Coy said it was a wonderful night, with most girls making their debut in Year 11.

“It is a lovely tradition and gives the girls a bit of confidence,” she said.

“Most girls are aged about 16-17 years when they make their debut.

“The girls have a terrific night.

“It is something you can only make once in a lifetime.”

Tickets for non-debutantes are $35 for adults and $20 for students.

The Caledonian Society Debutante Ball will start at 8pm at St Mary’s Hall on May 14.

For tickets or more information on being a debutante, phone Anne Coy on 0488466646.