Dunoon welcomed thousands of people today as the 130th Cowal Gathering finally kicked off.
Visitors from the four corners of the globe have been pouring into the town and surrounding area over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Scottish events calendar.
The action began early when the Scottish National Highland Dancing Championships began at 08.30am.
Today’s competitions – which included the qualifiers for Saturday’s World Highland Dancing Championships – saw 446 dancers in 10 categories battle it out for some coveted Cowal silverware.
Among the winners were: Alexa Bianconcini from Glenrothes, who won the premier category for dancers aged 11 years, picking up the Elkington Challenge Trophy, Drew Fraser from Scarborough won the May G Falconer Trophy for the best Male Dancer in any of the Scottish Championships Events 8 to 15 and Sophie Strachan from Forfar who won the May Falconer Memorial Trophy for the best Scottish Dancer (resident) in Events 8 to 15.
It wasn’t all about dancing today, because the entertainment kept going into the evening with the ever-popular 5K Cowal Run taking place from the Crazy Golf course at West Bay at 7.15pm.
More than 80 athletes signed up to take part and were cheered on by spectators lining the route.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board Fraser McCowan said he was delighted by how the event’s first day had gone.
‘The eyes of the Highland dancing world are once again on Dunoon,’ he said.
‘Highland dancing fans from all corners of the globe are watching the action not only in the Stadium, but also online as the Gathering broadcasts all the dancing competitions by livestream, on the Cowal Gathering YouTube channel.
‘The feedback from our online audience is already very positive and the excitement is just going to be heightened over the next couple of days as we get nearer to crowning this year’s world champions.’
“Even a bit of wet weather failed to dampen the spirits of competitors and spectators, most of whom come prepared for rain at some stage of the proceedings!,” he added.
‘We’ve got a packed schedule for tomorrow and Saturday with something for everyone to enjoy, from Highland Dancing, pipe bands, solo piping, heavy athletics and ceilidh music to stunt runners, axe throwing, kids’ entertainment or any of the other many attractions the Gathering now boasts.
‘I’m delighted with how the first day has gone, and we very much look forward to welcoming everyone back again tomorrow for another day of spectacular entertainment.”
Ian Laister, managing director at Bakkafrost Scotland, said: “We’re back for the tenth year as headline sponsor and it’s brilliant to see the event in full swing.
“Providing support to local community events like the Cowal Gathering is part of our commitment to support rural communities in Scotland, where we live and work. Scottish heritage is celebrated by not only the community but by visitors to the event from across the world, including many of the participants.
“Our flagship Native Hebridean salmon is here at the event. and I hope everyone gets to have a taste and go and see the demonstration.
“Best of luck to all the participants and thank you to everyone who came and made the event so much fun.”
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the Gathering website – www.cowalgathering.com – as soon as possible.
For information or to book tickets for the rest of the event, please visit the website or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 August.
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported by EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme.
For more information about the event or to buy tickets, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.comor contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.