May Social Diary, Scotland

and give support to the elderly, in particular causes connected with the Armed Forces, and donates funds raised at the ball to schools, youth awards and other good causes in Scotland. The ball boasts an impressive number of Royal connections: it is held under the Patronage of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, and Princess Alice. The late Queen Mother and late Princess Margaret were also Patrons.The ball's president is the Earl of Erroll, and its chairman is Viscount Dupplin. As you enjoy the set reels, the pipes and drums and the Scottish-themed dinner, relax in the knowledge that you are helping a charity broadly supported by the upper echelons of Scottish society.

WEBSITE: www.royalcaledonianball.com

GETTING THERE: The Grosvenor House Hotel is in the elegant hotel row of Park Lane, beside Hyde Park and close to Oxford Street.

TICKETS: The Ball secretary is Mrs Nicholas Bardswell, 24 Onslow Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6QF; tel: 020 8940 8079; fax: 020 8332 9448; email: sjbardswell@royalcal.freeserve.co.uk. Apply early. Full tickets, including dinner (8pm), cost around £120; ball only costs around £80. Breakfast is served at 12.30am, and wine, whisky or orangeade are served throughout the night.

WHAT TO WEAR: It is obligatory for Gentleman to wear Highland dress, hunt coats or tail coats (unusually for a ball, dinner jackets are not permitted). Full-length dresses are obligatory for ladies, as are clan Tartan sashes if they wish to participate in the set reels. Orders and decorations may be worn. Set reel classes are arranged before the Ball to enable participants to get their steps right on the night.

Accommodation:The Grosvenor House is the obvious choice. The Olympic size swimming pool will prove a welcome option to relax tortured muscles the morning after those set reels.

Photos: 11th Duke of Atholl courtesy the Duke of Atholl. Ptarmigan Guest House courtesy the proprietors.

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