SCOTTISH men are muscling in on the world of line dancing.
This Saturday, they will be executing high kicks and big steps in the grand final of the British Line Dancing Championships at Wembley Arena.
Two of Scotland's leading male exponents are William Brown, 20, from Balloch, and Michael McChord, 12, from Rutherglen. Both will be competing against 30 girls in the final.
Mr Brown, a supermarket stacker, of Brook Avenue, Mill of Haldane, said: ''I get a fair amount of slagging from my mates for doing line dancing but I enjoy it so much I couldn't care. I'm hoping to get into the last six on Saturday but it won't be easy against the girls.
''I've been line dancing for nine years but it's my first time in the final.''
Michael, of Neilvaig Drive, Fernhill, attends classes in Glasgow five times a week.
He said: ''It's fun, it's healthy and it's exciting. I like the music too.
''I've been dancing for two years and it's my first time in the championship. My family, my teacher, and my classmates are all backing me and I'll be over the moon if I win anything.''
Mrs Liz Clarke, one of Saturday's championship judges, who runs classes in Glasgow and Helensburgh, said more Scottish men and boys were interested in line dancing now.
''They're not being dragged along by their wives, girlfriends or mothers either. Quite a few men come along on their own and they enjoy the company and the exercise.
''Scottish men have resisted line dancing before because of the comments by their mates for taking part in a largely female activity. The difference now is they still get slagged but they don't take any notice.
''The men seem to enjoy the music and the fun. Men are shifting from weight training to low impact exercise like line dancing.''
Mrs Clarke believes line dancing has become more popular in the last three years because ''it appeals to all ages, it doesn't take up much space, no partners are needed and you can wear whatever you want''.
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