The Carolinas Branch was formed in July 2006 by a group of Scottish Country dancers attending Thistle School in Banner Elk, North Carolina.  Prior to the formation of the Branch most members had been Headquarters members. The Branch covers a wide geographical area, primarily North and South Carolina, but there are members in Virginia, Arkansas and Louisiana.  We function as an umbrella Branch, with classes continuing with local autonomy, yet we support each group by sharing information and events.  The Carolinas Branch Newsletter, website, and Facebook page keep members informed, as well as email.  The Branch has sponsored a Summer Tea Dance for several years in Greensboro, NC, Durham, NC, and Travellers Rest, SC.   In November of 2015, we had our first workshop/ day school which was well attended and great fun. Elaine Brunken was our splendid teacher. Mara Shea on fiddle and Pete Campbell on piano were our workshop musicians. Classes, dances and events continue to be held throughout the wide area of the southeastern United States that our Branch represents.            Mary McConnell, Chairman