Embracing cultural background is a "reel" priority for highland dancer Macleod Simpson.

A member of the Ena Sutton Highland Dancers of Winnipeg, Simpson, 18, performs in many events throughout the year in addition to dancing on Folklorama's Scottish mainstage.

"I started dancing when I was three... I didn't actually join the mainstage at Folklorama until I was 13."

According to Simpson, his performing as a highland dancer has been hugely influenced by his heritage and his family. "Big, big Scottish heritage throughout my family. My mom is in the mainstage show, my brother is also in the mainstage show, we all dance together, and my dad is the drummer, so we've all been doing it for years" he shared. "It's a great way for all of us to be together... we've been doing this for years."

"I'm predominently Scottish, that's on my dad's side and my mom's side," Simpson explained. "I think [cultural background] should be something important to pretty much everybody, really. I think they shouldn't forget where their anscestors have been or where they've come from... everyone has their unique places they come from, so be unique and bring out what makes you unique."

Simpson's family has had several opportunities for travel because of their dance, his parents going as far as Peru, and Simpson himself having visited North Carolina.

"Everybody should come out and watch us!" joked Simpson. He will be performing at the Pavilion of Scotland (pavilion 33) until Saturday, August 19.