This dance is dedicated to the late fiddler Michael Ferrie who wrote the tune and who died far too young.  The notes to the album where this tune appears explain: 

“Michael Ferrie wrote this tune after watching the family’s new kitten playing in the garden.  The kitten bravely decided to tackle a large skorie (Herring Gull) and jumped on its back.  The skorie, not much impressed, took flight with the kitten aboard.  Luckily for the kitten it managed to escape, but not until the bird had flown several hundred yards down the field.”  

The chase in bars 17-24 of the dance is my effort to represent the kitten’s adventure.  Thanks to my friend James MacQueen for bringing the tune to my attention. 
