The Tumbling Lassie Ball returns to Prestonfield House

Founded by members of the Faculty of Advocates in 2015, the Tumbling Lassie Appeal raises funds and awareness for organisations tackling human trafficking and exploitation.

This year’s event, themed as the Enchanted Ball, will be held at Prestonfield House, built in 1687. The venue’s history coincides with the 1687 court case from which the Appeal takes its name: Reid v Scot of Harden and his Lady. The case concerned a young girl gymnast, known to history only by her nickname, “the tumbling lassie”. She performed as an act in public entertainments put on by one Reid, a “mountebank” or travelling showman. She was being worn out by having to dance in Reid’s shows and ran away, taking refuge with the Scots of Harden, a family from the Scottish Borders. Reid sued the Scots and produced a written contract, showing that he had “bought” the tumbling lassie from her mother and argued that she was his property.

The Court of Session in Edinburgh heard the case in January 1687 and dismissed his claim, declaring the tumbling lassie free. The only surviving report of the case contains the trenchant observation: “But we have no slaves in Scotland, and mothers cannot sell their bairns…”

The programme for the Enchanted Ball will include Claire Mitchell KC and Zoe Venditozzi discussing Scotland’s legal history and their work on the Witches of Scotland campaign. The evening will be hosted by television presenter Natasha Raskin Sharp and will also feature a live auction with a range of prizes, including a Witches of Scotland Arisaid memorial tartan wrap and a private flight with champagne and lunch on the Isle of Colonsay. The popular Rox in a Box prize draw will also return, with one attendee winning a diamond necklace donated by luxury jeweller Rox.

Chair of the Tumbling Lassie Appeal, Sheriff Maryam Labaki, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has already bought their tickets for this year’s Enchanted Ball. We are delighted these will help assist Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland and International Justice Mission, two charities doing vital work to support and protect people affected by human trafficking and exploitation. Every ticket, donation and contribution helps us raise awareness and support these charities.”

Tickets for the Enchanted Ball cost £120 per person and include a three-course dinner, half a bottle of wine per person, evening entertainment and dancing.

To reserve tickets, please email tumblinglassie@advocates.org.uk or click here to book via Eventbrite.