Clare Williams (16) came top in eight sections of the Scottish Weekend in Alden Biesen last week.

The event celebrates its 25th anniversary next year, and draws enthusiasts from all over the world to revel in all things Celtic.

Clare studied dance as part of her curriculum at Castlehead high school and attends the Christine E. Aitken Academy of Dance in Paisley.

She is currently doing an NC in Dance at Reid Kerr college and said it was "great" to win her eight medals – four Highland dances and four national ones.

Clare told The Extra: "I've won lots of championships but this one was fantastic because I went abroad to win it".

She explained: "There were only five Scottish participants, including myself. I was in the premier section".

Clare danced the fling, reel, swords, jig among others to win the top spots.

She said: "The event is a bit unusual because there are no Highland dance teachers in Belgium. Usually how it's done is that dancers watch videos of Cowal and things like that and learn that way.

"But now I think it's starting to grow with workshops and classes".
She added: "I think they are so enthusiastic about Highland dancing
because everybody loves Scottish people.

"And it's a lot to do with the kilts and outfits involved, too".
Clare also teaches an after-school dance club at Castlehead, which does tap, ballet, modern, Highland acrobatics, disco and hip hop dancing.

She told The Extra: "It's a four-week block for pupils from first year right up to the year I would have been in if I was still at school.

"The school asked me if I wanted to do it because they knew I'd previously been to Orlando for the Highland games and things like that.

"It's a more fun way for young people to stay fit than going to the gym".

Clare plans to perhaps finish her dance education in London or else complete it at Reid Kerr, then join a dance company in England or America or do cruise ship entertainment.