Veronica Law began teaching highland dancing in the suburb of Dee Why on Sydney's Northern Beaches in June 1963, at just 16 years of age. Veronica had trained with Ruth Henning since her arrival in Australia, from Scotland, in March 1958, and when Ruth decided to retire from teaching, Veronica was an obvious choice to take over the school having passed her teachers diploma with the Scottish Dancing Association of Australia.
Veronica acquired her teaching skills from many sources, having learnt with Charlie Mill in Scotland, Ruth Henning and Mrs Dorothy Kerr BEM. In 1966 Veronica joined the National Dancing Association of Australia. In January 1967 Veronica married John McFarland, the Drum Major of Northern Suburbs pipe band.
The school grew in size and stature over the next 20 years with dancers competing in competitions throughout Australia, sitting examinations with the NDAA and later the SDAA, and being the driving force behind the Peninsula Highland Dancing Association.
In 1989 the school relocated to the NSW Central Coast. Having to start all over again, Veronica advertised locally using photos of her children; Kylie, Caroline and Douglas who had all started learning the sport. It wasn't long before people of the Central Coast would enjoy this great ladies talent.
In 1990, Veronica led the PHDA to their 11th Annual Championships in a new location at the Gosford RSL Club. This event was the first of its kind to be run on the Central Coast, and local business owners and council members welcomed the dancing school.
In 1992 the VLSHD made their first school trip to Hobart for the Australian Champion of Champions event. 6 dancers from the school competed successfully in the event, with all 6 bringing home medals. This was the first of many trips that would see the schools success.
Since that trip the school has travelled collectively to every Champion of Champions event excluding the 1996 Adelaide event where school Principal Veronica McFarland was invited to adjudicate. Each time bringing home numerous prizes. In 1998 Douglas McFarland placed 4th in the 13, 14, 15 years championship and Rhiannon Marston won the 11 and Under Festival of Tartans Championship. In 2000, 2002 and 2004 Douglas placed 4th in the QLD, Tasmanian and City of Melbourne Championships. In 2006 Eilidh Young placed 5th in the 7-11 years South Australian Championship.
Competition has brought much life to this school, with members having had worldwide success. Veronica has taught dancers who have won the British Overseas, Australasian, Australian Commonwealth, NSW, VIC, SA and Tasmanian Championships as well as qualifying for the World Championship Finals and winning a number of Cowal medals.
Whilst teaching students to the highest of standards remains paramount, Veronica lives to see her dancers perform on stage, allowing her students to become themselves. Veronica has directed many dance shows; A Celtic Affair (1998), Celticism (1999/2000), The Rhythm of the Dancer (2001), World of Our Own (2002), McGregor Despite Them (2003), Unlawful (2004) and Down Under the Kilt (2005).
In March 2008, Veronica McFarland was named as the teacher of Australia's highest placed dancer at the Champion of Champions Championship of Australia. This is considered one of the countries most prestigious awards.
The school currently trains at Somersby, Kariong, Wyoming and Tumbi, with Veronica and her three children teaching students ranging from 4 to 25 years of age. The school sit SDAA exams and Veronica and Caroline are members of the Scottish Dance Teachers Alliance (UK) and Douglas a member of STDA and fellow with United Kingdom Alliance.
The Veronica Law School of Highland Dancing have come a long way since 1963. The school is dedicated to promoting the art of Highland Dancing both through competition and through providing entertainment in various forms.