Scottish dancing may conjure up images of old grannies and schoolchildren but the times they are a'changing.

An invitation to a wedding where there's even the tiniest trace of Scottish blood can mean donning a swathe of tartan and reeling around Highland-style, despite ownership of two immense left feet.

Of course, learning Scottish dancing just for a wedding might not seem motivation enough to join a class but it is a fairly original way to get fit.

Yes, those grannies may look frail but Scottish dancing isn't as easy as it looks.

In fact, working it out as you go along is nigh on impossible, as I found out at the Brighton branch of the Scottish Country Dance Society.

Beginners like me were paired up with more experienced dancers and then, working with three or four other couples, the fun began.

Based on a few simple steps that build into about 40 different movements, unlike Irish dancing, where couples work independently of each other, Scottish dancing requires interdependence.

This means one wrong move can cause chaos. Though only working with the most basic of dances, members of the crew, myself included, found ourselves crashing around literally doubled up with laughter, not that anyone seemed to mind.

With a gentle shove in the right direction from a more experienced dancer, the jigs just about held together.

My heart pounded and the next day my legs ached. Clear evidence perhaps that such Scottish antics not only raise the spirits but are also good for your health.