Some facts about ringing in Scotland:

  • Scotland has 22 rings of bells, 20 of which are ringable (and we hope to improve on that)
  • When people mention 'the Church' we say "which one?".  We are a truly ecumenical ringing association:
    • 9 Church of Scotland
    • 6 Scottish Episcopal Church
    • 4 secular or private rings
    • 2 ecumenical chapels
    • 1 Roman Catholic church
  • Our single most effective recruitment strategy is adding a new tower.  This means physical bell restoration is still very important to us.
  • We have a membership of about 220, and the average meeting attendance is around 50.
  • We are enthusiastic adapters of digital communications because of the obstacles of physical distance between the towers.
  • We have entered a National team in the RW National Youth Striking Competition two years in a row, despite the team members travelling an average of 150 miles each to attend a practice.
  • Many of our towers have had success using the Learn to Ring scheme.
  • There is an active handbell band in most areas in Scotland.
  • Some of our association training events in 2016 were:
    • Annual training day in Tulloch, catering to all abilities
    • Monthly 12-bell practices at St Mary's Edinburgh, catering to all abilities
    • Monthly Advanced practices on 10 or 8 bells, alternating between West and East.
    • An intensive Yorkshire and Stedman 12-bell weekend at Tulloch.
    • Avon 12-bell weekend in Tulloch
    • Three handbell days, each including open sessions for beginners.
    • Regular youth practices.
    • Conducting seminar held at Dumfries.