Dunoon came alive today as thousands of visitors gathered to celebrate the start of Cowal Gathering—one of Scotland’s most iconic annual events.
Anticipation had been building for days as visitors from around the globe arrived in the town and surrounding area, eager to experience the tradition, talent, and community spirit the Gathering is known for.
Festivities kicked off bright and early with the Scottish Highland Dancing Championships beginning at 8:00am with the qualifiers for the World Highland Dancing Championships running throughout the afternoon. A total of 471 dancers competed across ten categories, all vying for a spot in Saturday’s prestigious World Highland Dancing Championships.
Among today’s winners were:
- Molly Robertson from North Kessock who claimed the Elkington Challenge Trophy in the Premier category for dancers aged 11.
- Drew Fraser from Ontario, winner of the May G Falconer Trophy for the best Male Dancer in the Scottish Championships Events 8–15.
- Freya Pickles from Dollar who received the May Falconer Memorial Trophy as the top Scottish (resident) dancer in Events 8–15.
But the day wasn’t just about dancing. The evening brought even more excitement with the ever-popular Cowal 5K Run, which set off at 7:15pm from the Crazy Golf course at West Bay. More than 110runners took part, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds lining the route.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Chairman David Mitchell MBE shared his delight at the success of the event’s first day:
‘Once again, Dunoon is at the heart of the Highland dancing world. With livestreaming now available via our YouTube channel, fans from across the globe are tuning in to catch every step—and the feedback so far has been fantastic.
‘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 an incredible lineup for Friday and Saturday—Highland dancing, pipe bands, solo piping, heavy athletics, ceilidh music, stunt performers, axe throwing, kids’ activities and so much more. There truly is something for everyone.’
Bakkafrost Scotland, is the event’s headline sponsor. Managing Director Ian Laister commented:
‘The Cowal Gathering represents the very best of Scotland, and it’s been a fantastic
day celebrating our culture and sense of community—values to which we are committed at Bakkafrost Scotland.’
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the Gathering website as soon as possible.
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 28 to Saturday 30 August.
Cowal Gathering is supported by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, through their International Events Funding Programme.
For more information about the event or to buy tickets, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
EventScotland, part of VisitScotland – the national tourism and events organisation for Scotland, works to make the destination the perfect stage for events by securing and supporting an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events.
It provides funding opportunities and access to resources and information to develop the industry. By raising Scotland’s profile as a leading events destination, we hope to attract more visitors to our shores.
It supports the delivery of Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035 which aims to build on the events industry’s many achievements to date.
The strategy refresh has been shaped by, Scottish Government, VisitScotland’s Industry and Events Directorate, Scotland’s Events Industry Advisory Group (EIAG), Local Authorities, COSLA, Trade Union representatives, and those who responded to the consultation process.
Find out more about Scotland’s National Events Strategy 2024-2035.
For further information about funding programmes and latest event news:
- visit visitscotland.org/events
- follow @EventScotNews on x.com
- follow EventScotland on linkedin.com