Cowal Highland Gathering: All of Scotland in one Weekend
Every year around 23,000 people flock to Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, Argyll to soak up the unique atmosphere and enjoy the spectacle. Amid the emotive sound of the pipes and the flash of clan colours on kilts, athletes and dancers compete for coveted trophies at this world-famous event. Cowal Highland Gathering is known as the most spectacular Highland games in the world. Experience these five things and you’ll see why!
1. Witness the stars of Highland Dancing
See the global stars of the Highland dancing world battle it out in the World Highland Dancing Championship. Be prepared to be blown away by the grace, skill and stamina on display. The sheer number of participants adds to the unforgettable spectacle. Last year over 600 dancers from as far afield as the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand headed to Dunoon to take part.
2.Watch the heavy athletes
Cowal Highland Gathering attracts the world’s top heavy athletes so prepare to witness some incredible feats! From tossing the caber to shot-putting the 34lbs-Cowal Stone (twice the size of a normal shot putt), the ‘heavies’ will thrill you with their skills and strength. The caber toss is always a nail-biter. If there’s time, some athletes may try their luck with the giant ‘Tilhill’ caber – one of the biggest cabers on the Highland games circuit as they strive to achieve the coveted ’12 o’clock’.
3. The Gig at the Gathering
Friday night is party night at Cowal Highland Gathering! The Gig at the Gathering, held in the Stadium’s Ceilidh Tent, is a four-hour musical extravaganza with some of Scotland’s top ceilidh bands. Expect a friendly crowd, bags of atmosphere and plenty of west coast bonhomie. Oh, and some very fine local ales and single malt whiskies to sample. This year Skipinnish is headlining, supported by local band Heron Valley and Trail West from Tiree.
4. Fantastic Family Entertainment
One of the things that makes the Cowal Highland Gathering stand out is the huge range of family entertainment on offer. We’re not just talking face-painting here. We’re talking spectacular fun-filled shows that the kids will be talking about for months! Last year the Clan – Scotland’s cycle stunt team - wowed the audience with its gravity-defying show and fearless riding. The Cowal Kids Tent is a riot of entertainment with puppeteers, clowns, magicians and more.
5. Traditional Scottish Pipe bands
On Saturday afternoon all of the pipe bands gather in the centre of the Stadium for the Salute to the Chieftain. The sight and sound of massed pipes and drums playing ‘Highland Laddie’ in unison is a spine-tingling experience and one that will stay with you forever. But the piping entertainment doesn’t finish there. Many of the bands then gather, most in fancy dress, to march through Dunoon town centre, keen to bag the prize for the ‘Most Entertaining Band’. Now that’s spectacular!
Where to stay in Cowal for the Highland Games?
There's plenty of choice when it comes to places to stay in Cowal. Carry Farm and Ruskin Lodges provide you with the perfect escape to nature whereas Loch Riddon Bothy, the Woodside Lodge on Loch Goil and Innellan Cottages are the perfect romantic getaway for couples. Travelling with the whole family? The Hollies, Baileyfield Self-Catering and Stratheck Holiday Park are fantastic options for those seeking a larger place for the whole family to stay. Prefer to stay at a hotel? Portavadie, the Kames Hotel and Douglas Park Guesthouse are fantastic options. Discover all places to stay in Cowal here.
