There has been no shortage of highland highlights in Tasmania across the past 50 years and Elizabeth McLauchlin has seen them first-hand.
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The highland dancing judge was part the Tasmania National Dancing Association’s 50th anniversary celebrations, which are being held throughout the weekend.
Saturday’s annual Tasmanian Championships were her last as a judge, after she decided to step away from the role.
Having evaluated dancers since the TNDA began, Mrs McLauchlin said the time had come to move on.
“I just had my 76th birthday and my husband is not in the greatest of health, so it seemed like the right time to put family first,” she said.
“I still plan to be involved in highland dancing to some extent, but not as a judge.”
Originally from Scotland, Mrs McLauchlin came to Australia in 1964.
She became a judge after calling time on her dancing career, going on to assess competitors across the world.
Mrs McLauchlin said the state could hold its own internationally.
“The standard is great in Tassie,” she said.
More than 100 dancers across four age categories showcased their skills for Mrs McLauchlin at Riverside High School throughout Saturday.
The Tasmanian Championships were preceded by the association’s inaugural Scottish National Dance Premierships on Friday night.
Saturday’s schedule also included a cocktail party to celebrate the TNDA’s 50-year milestone.
