After the rebellion of 1745 failed to gain Scotland's independence, England passed the Acts of Prohibition. Among other things, these Acts prohibited the wearing of kilts and forced the Highlanders to wear trousers, or Truibhas. This dance portrays the joy of the Scottish people when the Acts were repealed and they were allowed to wear kilts again. The first part of the dance shows the dancer shaking off the despised trousers and, at the end of the dance, the steps resemble the steps of the Highland Fling, show that the kilt is now on and Scottish traditions are again being upheld. The people waiting for church created this dance in order to stay warm.
Reels are very popular in Scotland.
The American Virginia Reel is thought to be a later version of a Scottish Reel. When country dancing spread into Scotland in the late 1600's, it became an integral part of Scottish culture and was enjoyed by all classes of society. The fact that country dances were held in the Scottish Court, ballrooms and barns, explains why these dances are not classified as folk dances, which are defined as dances of the common folk. By the same token, these dances survived long after they lost favor in the ballroom because they remained part of Scotland's ordinary social life. What distinguishes Scottish country dancing from its English counter part are the steps, which are greatly influenced by the French ballet and Highland dance masters of the 18th century, and the distinct rhythm and drive of the music.