We Strip the Willow
Individuals from across Scotland flocked to Ghillie Dhu in Edinburgh's West End on Sunday 28th March to take part in the world's first naked ceilidh.
The third iconic photograph in a series of naked shoots from DADA Devine was directed and captured in the stunning auditorium of the traditional Scottish pub and entertainment venue, by award-winning photographer Alistair Devine, who has previously photographed a host of stars including Elton John, Sting and Sophia Lauren.
The 38 naked volunteers were chosen from over 400 people who inquired about an appeal for models to strip off for the groundbreaking shoot devised by Alistair Devine and Glasgow marketing agency DADA. Participants included a clinical researcher, a naturist, a language teacher, a civil engineer and two cleaners and were led by a ceilidh band leader and fiddle player from South Edinburgh.
Kenny Campbell travelled from Milton of Campsie to take part in the ceilidh photoshoot. Kenny said: "I've done freefall parachuting and abseiled for charity but nothing could have prepared me for how nervous I'd be taking my clothes off in front of a bunch of strangers. I was terrified.
“At the beginning, I was like everyone else and looked at the floor, the ceiling; basically anywhere else than the obvious. But after Alistair talked us through how he saw the shoot going, the music started, we all started dancing and I was totally comfortable about the fact that I was naked."
Photographer Alistair Devine said: "The project has been a massive success and I am delighted everyone involved took part with such gusto. I am thrilled with the final image.”
Innes Wishart, manager of Ghillie Dhu, said: "The project has been an enormous success and was a truly amazing way to put our new venue Ghillie Dhu on the map. It was fantastic to be involved in something so bold and groundbreaking for Scotland and to be the location for the first ever naked ceilidh. We are delighted that it took place in our auditorium which is specifically designed with this type of dancing in mind."
Oli Norman, managing director of DADA said: "We're delighted we were given the opportunity to do a third shoot. Everyone has been such great sports and we're over the moon Edinburgh took up the challenge to get naked. Look out for the next DADA Devine photograph!"
