The writer is Ian Davison (not Davidson) and he's written many songs (including a grand one titled 'When Mandela danced in the Square' about the occasion when Nelson Mandela came to Glasgow after his release from prison, to accept the freedom of the city; there was a mass rally in George Square in front of the City Chambers and Mandela and other dignitaries spoke, with various musical interludes -- during one of which Mandela danced with a black South African singer!)

The word 'birl' means to link hands or elbows with a partner and spin fast on the spot; the Sergeant Dashing' refers to an energetic ceilidh dance"The Dashing White Sergeant" for 6 dancers in two teams of 3; "Mairi's Wedding" is the name of a tune and popular song whose chorus starts off, 'Step we gaily, on we go - Heel for heel and toe for toe'; and finally, "Strip the Willow" is a frantic and exhausting dance with two long lines of couples facing each other -- and endless birling!