Bakkafrost Scotland continues Cowal Gathering sponsorship
The Board of Cowal Gathering has revealed that Bakkafrost Scotland, formerly The Scottish Salmon Company, is to continue with its headline sponsorship of the world-famous event.
The business has supported the Cowal Gathering since 2014 as overall headline sponsor, plus sole sponsor of the Cowal Gathering heavy athletics programme. This includes both individual events, plus the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship which is Scotland’s only international heavy athletics championship.
Taking place on the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in August, around 23,000 people regularly attend Cowal Gathering, which is widely recognised as the world’s most spectacular highland gathering.
Steeped in tradition, the annual Cowal Gathering has taken place against the stunning backdrop of Dunoon since 1894, and is home to the World Highland Dancing Championships, Cowal Pipe Band Championship and Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship. Add in legendary family-friendly entertainment plus world-class traditional live music from some of Scotland’s top bands and it’s easy to see why Cowal Gathering has visitors from across the world flocking back year after year.
Bakkafrost Scotland employs over 500 staff across 60 sites on the west coast of Scotland and the Hebridean Islands. It is an active member of the communities in which it operates and recognises the importance of Cowal Gathering, not only as a key date in the local calendar, but also as an important international spectacle.
Announcing Bakkafrost Scotland’s sponsorship, Fraser McCowan, on behalf of the Cowal Gathering board said, ‘We are delighted that Bakkafrost has chosen to continue to support our historic event, building on the Scottish Salmon Company’s firm foundation and we are very much looking forward to the future. With an atmosphere second to none, Cowal Gathering is a very special event and we are thrilled Bakkafrost Scotland will once again be at the heart of the action.
Ian Laister, managing director of Bakkafrost Scotland said of the sponsorship: “Through our Community Charter we are committed to working hand in hand with local people to support our mission to be responsible and active part of the communities in which we live and work.
“We are looking forward to the Cowal Gathering which is so highly regarded and wish everyone taking part the best of luck and to enjoy the event.”
This year’s Cowal Highland Gathering runs from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 August.
2023 Gig at the Gathering tickets on sale now!
Heads up music lovers - tickets are now on sale for Cowal Gathering’s flagship Friday night Gig at the Gathering (GATG).
The 2023 event is the seventh GATG since it first burst onto the scene in 2015. Now a firm favourite of the Gathering weekend, the gig has well and truly cemented its reputation for bringing some of Scotland’s best-known bands to Dunoon, as well as showcasing some of the area’s newest talent.
And, GATG fans will be excited to hear this year’s headliners are Beinn Lee who last played the GATG in 2019 and are certainly no strangers to a Cowal audience.
Joining Beinn Lee are GATG favourites Rhuvaal. This young band from Kintyre are firm favourites with the Friday night Cowal crowd, having played both the GATG and the Saturday Live Music Tent in 2022.
The GATG line-up is completed by Trávee, who are stepping onto the Cowal stage for the first time. This new trad/folk band from Tiree and Uist have been storming up the west coast music scene in 2023, formerly with some members of "Buddha & the Band"
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board, Fraser McCowan said he was excited to announce this year’s line-up saying: ‘This year we have an exciting mix of old friends and fresh new talent to get the weekend off to a great start.
‘The GATG is always a great night out, and its appeal crosses generations with something for music lovers of all ages.’
Tickets for the Gig - which will take place on Friday, August 25 in the Gathering’s Ceilidh Tent are on sale now for £25 on the Cowal Gathering website at www.cowalgathering.com
The gates will open at 6.30pm with the first band due to kick off half an hour later. The event will finish at 11pm.
Cowal Gathering 2022 signs off in style
As family days out go, this one was surely hard to beat.
Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the spectacular climax of the Cowal Gathering.
Competitors and spectators alike joined forces to ensure the event’s finale was, as always, a day to remember for everyone involved.
From the hundreds of dancers and pipers to the heavy athletes, ceilidh bands, axe throwers, acrobats and many other entertainers on show, every participant contributed to what was a fantastic day’s entertainment.
The standard of competition was breathtaking, with many of the world’s top competitors giving their all in a bid go home with the silverware.
One of the highlights of the Gathering’s final day was, as always, the Cowal Pipe Band Championship.
Section and grade winners in the Cowal Pipe Band champions were:
The champion drum major was Becky Cox of Troon Blackrock.
Today also saw the Argyllshire Highland Dancing competitions (for dancers who live in Argyll and Bute), with top honours in the 7 and under 12 years Premier category going to Corrie McMillan from Campbeltown and the 12 and 13 years Premier category awarded to Grace McGrath from Helensburgh.
Top prize in the 14 and 15 years Premier category went to Solana McMurchy from Campbeltown. Catriona Gammons from Helensburgh triumphed in the 16 years and over class.
Then came the biggest Highland Dancing competition in the world – the World Championship finals - with dancers from Australia, Canada and the USA pitting their skills against the best the UK has to offer.
In the end, it was Lily Kelman from Inverness who emerged victorious in the World Juvenile finals, followed by Eilidh Gammons of Helensburgh and Morgan Terrace of Dumfries.
The trophy for best Scottish Juvenile Dancer went to Lily Kelman and the best Overseas Juvenile Dancer was Alice Gill from Victoria.
In the World Junior championship, Annalise Lam of British Colombia held off the challenge of Morven Johnston, West Australia and Olivia Burke of Nova Scotia.
The best Scottish Junior Dancer was Emma Smart of Aberdeen, and the trophy for the best Overseas Junior Dancer went to Annalise Lam.
The Adult World champion was Marielle Lesperance from Nova Scotia, followed by Michelle Gordon from Huntly, with Candice Walker from Leslie in third.
Marielle Lesperance is taking home the Mary McHarg Quaich for best Overseas Adult Dancer. The cup for best Scottish Adult Dancer went to Michelle Gordon.
Throughout the afternoon, some of the world’s hottest traditional music bands entertained the crowds in the now-famous live music tent.
Leading the pack was new to Cowal Gathering, Gnoss who were joined by two of the hottest names on the traditional music scene – up and coming bands Rhuvaal, fresh from playing at the Gig at the Gathering last night, and Eabhal, together with The American Rogues who also returned to the live music tent after making a legion of new fans at Friday night’s Gig at the Gathering.
While they were playing in their marquee behind the stadium, the heavy athletes and wrestlers battled it out for top honours in the stadium itself.
In the International Heavy Athletics Team competition, Team Scotland did it again – retaining the International Heavy Athletics Championship trophy they first won in 2019 with Team Germany coming runners up.
In the overall individual heavy athletics, Daniel Carlin from Scotland from triumphed in the men’s competition, with Craig Winslow from Scotland in second and Marius Linfoff from Germany third.
In the women’s event, Christina Scheffaur from Austria beat off the challenge of Lucy Marshall from Crick (2nd) and Sylvana Bomholt from Germany (3rd).
Daniel Carlin and Sylvanna Bomholt were crowned men’s and women’s caber toss champions respectively.
This year, there was a bigger and better selection of entertainment for all ages than ever before.
One of the most popular draws proved to be a new addition to the schedule – the exciting Vander Double Wheel of Death
Among the other biggest attractions were the Braveheart Axe Throwing Team, Mountain Biking track, Drakes of Hazard along with the perennial children’s favourite, Artie’s Singing Kettle featuring veteran entertainer Artie Trezise, who has entertained generations of children with his songs and stories.
Cowal Gathering chair Ronnie Cairns said the success of the weekend and the enthusiasm of everyone involved would ensure that this famous event will continue to go from strength to strength.
“Judging from the feedback we’ve been receiving over the last three days, the vast majority of people who have taken part this year – whether competing or spectating – are going home having had a brilliant time,” he said.
“We weren’t sure what to expect this year, for the first in-person Gathering since 2019, but I’m delighted to see how much people have missed the event and have welcomed it back. There are so many people working away behind the scenes to ensure that everything is as good as it can possibly be by the time the last weekend in August arrives, and I’d like to thank all our supporters, volunteers and sponsors for once again pulling it off.
“Our competitors have excelled themselves, as they do every year. Our spectators have marvelled at the skills on show, as they do every year. And the entertainments on offer in addition to the traditional Highland games elements have once again proved a major hit.
“I’d like to thank everyone for ensuring it’s been such a great event, and we
very much look forward to welcoming everyone back to Dunoon for the 2023 Gathering.”
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported through EventScotland’s International Events Programme.
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the website (www.cowalgathering.com) as soon as possible.
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported through EventScotland’s International Events Programme.
For information on Cowal Gathering please visit the website or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
ENDS
Editor’s notes
EventScotland is working to make Scotland 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.
EventScotland is a team within VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation, alongside Business Events and Development teams. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.eventscotland.org or follow Twitter @EventScotNews and follow us on LinkedIn.
Cowal Highland Gathering crowds enjoy spectacular day
Visitors to the Cowal Highland Gathering today had a taste of why the event has the reputation of being the world’s most spectacular Highland Games.
The crowds who gathered in Dunoon were treated to a feast of top quality Highland Dancing and solo piping. And the evening’s fun hasn’t even kicked off yet, with hundreds of people heading back to the show ground for 7.00pm to enjoy a fantastic night out at the eagerly anticipated Gig at the Gathering.
From the start of the very first event, there was never a dull moment with hundreds of top-quality dancers and pipers battling it out for coveted Cowal honours.
Those who arrived early were spoiled for choice, with the Scottish Highland Dancing Championships and junior solo piping competitions all taking place before lunch.
The Scottish Championships are one of three major dancing competitions being held during the Gathering. The others are the Argyllshire Championship and the World Championship, which both take place on Saturday.
The Local Juvenile Solo Piping competition took place in the morning, as did the Burgh Cup Competition for solo piping.
Among the winners in the Scottish National Championships, the main results were:
Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh in the 14 years section.
Morven Terrace from Dumfries in the 15 years section.
Innes MacKenzie from Fearn in the 16 years section.
In the junior solo piping section, Christopher Mccartan from Lochgilphead picked up the Burgh Cup. Camron Blue Macphail from Lochgilphead was second, picking up The Inglis Trophy and Sofaidh Stoddart from Dunoon took third, picking up The Campbell Birnie Trophy. The Best Dressed Playing Piper: Juvenile was Liam Nicolson from Table Top, New South Wales, Australia.
At lunch time, the popular Classic Car Display in the Alexandra Parade car park in the town proved a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Cowal Highland Gathering chair Ronnie Cairns said he was very happy with the way the event is progressing.
“It’s been a great first two days. Today’s weather has been kind to us and as always the atmosphere has been brilliant,” he said.
“The fun’s by no means over for the day, as we’ve still got the Gig at the Gathering to come. Every year the Gig proves to be one of our most popular elements, and I’m sure this year will be no different, with The American Rogues, Rhuvaal and headliners Ho-Ro set to rock the tent.
“The atmosphere at the Gig at the Gathering is always special, and this year especially we’re looking forward to all being back together. Let’s hope tonight’s audience all make it back to the showground tomorrow for what is traditionally the flagship day for this wonderful event, with a feast of dancing, piping and athletics and a vast array of additional entertainment.
“If you haven’t already got a ticket, I would urge you to come down to the stadium tomorrow and get a taste of what is always one of the most exciting days in the Highland Games calendar.
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the Gathering website as soon as possible.
Spectators flock to day one of Cowal Highland Gathering 2022
The crowds came out in Dunoon today as Cowal’s world famous Gathering finally got underway.
Visitors have been pouring into the town over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly awaited Highland Games events in the Scottish calendar.
Today they joined scores of local people in flocking to the Gathering for the start of the action.
The action began early when the Scottish National Highland Dancing Championships kicked off at 08.30am.
Today’s action – which included the qualifiers for Saturday’s World Highland Dancing Championships - saw 401 dancers in nine categories battle it out for the honours.
Among the winners were: Aisla Gocan-Wright from London, Canada who won the premier category for dancers aged 11 years, picking up the Elkington Challenge Trophy and Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh and Alice Newlands from Dundee who jointly picked up the May Falconer Memorial Trophy for the best Scottish Dancer (resident) in Events 8 to 15.
Drew Fraser from Scarborough, Canada was awarded the May G Falconer Trophy for the best Male Dancer in any of the Scottish Championships: Event 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 100 athletes signed up to take part and were cheered on by spectators lining the route.
Cowal Highland Gathering chair Ronnie Cairns said he was delighted by how the event’s first day had gone.
“Dunoon is the centre of the Highland dancing world this weekend, and today we got a taste of what we can look forward to for the next couple of days,” he added.
“The competitors all did themselves proud and, as always, were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd which made for a great atmosphere and really set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
“People across the globe who are serious about Highland dancing will now be holding their breath to see who comes out on top in the various competitions, as the Cowal Gathering crown is the most glittering of them all.
“If today’s events are anything to go by, we’re in for a real feast of dancing over the next couple of days.”
Ronnie said the efforts of everyone involved in organising and running the Gathering over the last few months have paid off.
“Everything seems to have gone smoothly so far. Even the weather was on its best behaviour with blue skies and sunshine to welcome competitors and spectators back to Cowal.
“We’ve got a packed schedule for tomorrow and Saturday with something for everyone to enjoy, whether it be more Highland Dancing, pipe bands, heavy athletics, wrestling, ceilidh music, running, axe throwing, thrilling demonstrations, mountain biking, crazy golf, interactive children’s storytelling, and any of the many other attractions around the Stadium this weekend.
“We’re delighted with how the first day has gone, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back again tomorrow for another day of spectacular entertainment.”
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.
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported through EventScotland’s International Events Programme.
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 August.
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.
2022 Gathering returns with more stellar attractions than ever before
Thousands of competitors and spectators from across the world are set to head to Dunoon next weekend as the town prepares for the 128th Cowal Gathering, which returns as an in-person event following an enforced two-year hiatus.
And as anyone lucky enough to have previous experience of the Gathering will confirm, the event is so much more than ‘just’ a Highland Games.
This year Cowal Gathering’s now legendary additional attractions are also back to add to the family-friendly festival feeling – all for the price of an entry ticket.
And once again, every spectator can spend their day doing as little or as much as they want as all Cowal Gathering’s spectators are encouraged to ‘find their Cowal Gathering spirit’.
Despite juggling such a wide range of entertainment for people of all ages, Cowal Gathering organisers have ensured that there will be ample opportunity for ticket holders to organise their day to take part in everything there is to do and see.
That means there’s no need to choose between Braveheart Axe Throwing and the Vander Double Wheel of Death, Drakes of Hazard and Artie’s Singing Kettle, Come and Try Mountain Biking and Crazy Golf, Punch and Judy, Magic Shows, Giant Games… and on and on.
And that’s before we even talk about the world-
class traditional Scottish music which draws visitors back to the Gathering year after year. And once again the line-up is designed to rock the Top Field.
Cowal’s Live Music tent is the venue for Saturday’s music offering which this year is headed up by Cowal Gathering favourites - the hugely popular band Tide Lines.
They will be supported by The American Rogues and Rhuvaal who return to the Cowal Music Tent following their Friday night performances at the Gig at the Gathering.
Also joining the party will be one of Scotland’s most exciting new bands, Eabhal who hail from the Outer Hebrides. This young band are no strangers to music festivals and also played at this year’s Tiree Music Festival.
Of course, it’s impossible to come to Cowal Gathering and not dance, so the Inverhooley Ceilidh Band will be on-hand throughout the afternoon, in the Wee Ceilidh Tent to make sure no dancer is left behind!
All of this additional entertainment is offered to compliment the traditional events which remain the foundation of Cowal Gathering – from Highland dancing and piping to heavy athletics and wrestling.
And they are on offer to anyone with a basic entry ticket, which can be bought online today at https://cowalgatheringtickets.com/p/entrytickets
Cowal Gathering Chair Ronnie Cairns said: ‘We pride ourselves in showcasing ‘’All of Scotland in One Day” and as such we need to showcase the very best entertainment for all ages – whether you’re four or 94, you’ll find something exciting at Cowal Gathering.
This year is particularly important for us, following our two-year absence. This is our first opportunity to gather together in person since 2019 and we are determined to make sure we celebrate being able to be together again in the best way we know how.
This year, we’ve balanced some old favourites together with some new acts and I’m very excited to welcome visitors from around the world to Cowal and show them just why we’re one of Scotland’s great days out.’
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events said: ‘We are delighted to support, once again, Cowal Highland Gathering through our International Events Programme. Cowal Highland Gathering is one of Scotland’s most family-friendly events, attracting locals and visitors from across the globe in droves, with its biggest programme yet of magic shows, ‘come and try’ games, dancing, piping, heavy athletic and wrestling and much more. Highland Games, such as Cowal Gathering, reinforce Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events.’
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 August.
Countdown to Cowal Gathering 2022 – one month to go!
The countdown is on for one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends on the Scottish Highland Games calendar.
And with just one month to go until organisers throw open the gates to Dunoon Stadium and welcome competitors and spectators from across the world, it’s a time of great excitement.
Cowal Gathering’s invitation to ‘See All of Scotland in One Weekend’, may be ambitious, but with the stellar line-up of competitions and entertainment planned, it’s going to be difficult to argue with.
And once again, the great news is that every spectator can choose to see or be a part of as many attractions as they want – they’re all included in the price of their entry ticket.
Cowal Gathering, which is supported by EventScotland’s International Event Programme, genuinely is a family-friendly festival, with attractions ranging from the thrilling Vander Double Wheel of Death and hilarious Drakes of Hazard to Artie’s Singing Kettle, crazy golf, giant games, the come-and-try mountain bike track, magic tricks… and the list goes on.
But that’s only half the story of what’s on offer. The other half is the world class traditional Scottish music that Cowal Gathering is famous for, and once again the Cowal Live Music Tent is set to rock the stadium with a fantastic line-up of talent headed up by Cowal favourites Tide Lines.
Tide Lines will be supported by Cowal Gathering first timers, Outer Hebrides band Eabhal. This young band are music festival regulars who won a legion of new fans at this year’s Tiree Music Festival. They’re joined by Rhuvaal and The American Rogues who are returning to the Cowal Music Tent fresh from playing the Friday night Gig at the Gathering.
And if you want a ceilidh, Cowal Gathering regulars the Inverhooley Ceilidh Band will be in the Ceilidh Tent throughout the afternoon, encouraging visitors to ‘take their partners’ for a Strip the Willow or Dashing White Sergeant, in between wandering round all the other attractions.
Of course, all the top field entertainment is in addition to the traditional events which are the cornerstone of Cowal Gathering – from piping and highland dancing to heavy athletics and wrestling.
Cowal Gathering chair Ronnie Cairns is looking forward to crowds returning saying: ‘This is the first time we’ve been able to gather together in person since 2019, and we’re pulling out all the stops to have the celebration we all deserve.
‘This year’s entertainment offering is superb. We’re welcoming back some old favourites along with some brand new acts to Cowal, which we’re very excited about.
‘We’re just one month away until the start of the Gathering and we simply can’t wait to welcome visitors from around the world and show them why Cowal has made a name for itself as one of Scotland’s best family-friendly days out – whatever your age!’
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “We are delighted to support this year’s Cowal Gathering through our International Events Programme. This event promises to be an exciting exhibition of Scottish traditions and culture, attracting visitors from all over to the festival, reaffirming Scotland’s position as the perfect stage for events.”
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 August.
Music Lovers in for a treat as Tide Lines Headline Cowal Gathering 2022
Fans of traditional Scottish music will be flocking to this year’s Cowal Gathering to enjoy some of the most exciting acts currently on the circuit.
Saturday’s legendary Cowal Music Tent is always one of the Gathering’s main attractions and this year boasts a fantastic line-up of talent, headed up by one of Scotland’s most popular bands Tide Lines.
Back by popular demand, Tide Lines are no strangers to the Cowal Gathering stage, having headlined both the Cowal Music Tent and the Gig at the Gathering, and return this year to wow the crowd with their mix of rousing rock and sing-a-long choruses.
Supporting Tide Lines are three other fantastic bands, Rhuvaal and The American Rogues and newcomers to Cowal Gathering, Eabhal.
Eabhal are a five-piece band from the Outer Hebrides and this is their first introduction to Cowal Gathering. Alongside traditional songs, contemporary and original tunes, the band draw influence from other musical cultures, uniting them with their music. Eabhal are Hands Up for Trad and Battle of the Folk Bands 2018 winners and are sure to win a legion of new Cowal Gathering followers.
The American Rogues burst onto both the Gig at the Gathering and Cowal Music Tent stages in 2018 – and they're doing it again this year! Featuring musicians from Canada and America they are known for their epic sound that crosses the musical landscape to include jigs, reels, hornpipes, originals, covers and foot stompers.
Joining The American Rogues by doing the double are Kintyre based band Rhuvaal. Formed in 2015 this young band are making a big impression on the Scottish music scene. Having played the Cowal Music Tent in 2019 they making sure the festival atmosphere continues having been partying long into the evening at the hugely popular Friday night Gig at the Gathering.
The Gig, which takes place on Cowal Gathering Friday evening has cemented its reputation as one of Scottish traditional music’s most eagerly anticipated events and we delighted to see it return for 2022.
This year’s line-up sees The American Rogues and Rhuvaal joined by headliners Ho-Ro. Having played the Cowal Music tent in 2017, Ho-Ro have become a force to be reckoned with on the Scottish music scene. Featuring bagpipes, border pipes, accordion, fiddle and whistles, this talented line-up mix a set rich in musical styles and complemented with the poetry of Gaelic song and vivid storytelling of the Scots song genre.
Cowal Gathering Chair Ronnie Cairns is excited at the wealth of musical talent on show at this year’s event saying: ‘Music is an essential part of Cowal Gathering and this year’s live music offerings are absolutely outstanding.
‘We’ve waited a long-time for this and I’m looking forward to a couple of days of fantastic music with the best crowd in the world.
‘When we introduced the Gig at the Gathering in 2016 we had no way of knowing what a big part it would play in the Gathering offering, it’s the best way to get fired up for the big one – Cowal Saturday.
‘Gig at the Gathering tickets are limited, so I would recommend anyone who wants to be in the tent on Cowal Friday to secure their tickets as soon as possible. It’s one of the best nights out of the year and we don’t want anyone who wants to be there to miss out.’
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 25 – Saturday 27 August.
For information or to book tickets, please visit the Cowal Gathering website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
Gig at the Gathering 2022 Tickets Launched
2022 Gig at the Gathering tickets on sale now!
Tickets are now on sale for Cowal Gathering’s flagship Friday night Gig at the Gathering (GATG) which is back, bigger and better than ever.
After an enforced two-year break due to the pandemic, this will be the sixth Gig at the Gathering. Having first burst onto the scene in 2015 the GATG has become a permanent fixture to the Gathering weekend and has cemented its reputation for bringing some of Scotland’s best-known bands to Dunoon, as well as showcasing some of the area’s newest talent.
And, Gig at the Gathering fans will be excited to hear this year’s headliners are Hò-rò.
Hò-rò are no strangers to Cowal Gathering, having first played to a Cowal audience in the Ceilidh Tent in 2017. With a line-up featuring bagpipes, border pipes, accordion, fiddle and whistles, together with guitar, keyboards, drums and bodhran, Hò-rò offer something for every music lover.
Joining Hò-rò are Kintyre based band Rhuvaal who played the Cowal Gathering Ceilidh Tent for the first time in 2019 and joined us for Cowal’s Virtual Gathering in 2020.
The line-up is completed by The American Rogues who played at the 2018 GATG and Cowal Ceilidh Tent in 2018, as well as joining us online for Cowal’s Virtual Gathering 2020. With members from Canada and the US, the band are regular on the American Highland Games circuit and won a new legion of Cowal Gathering fans in 2018.
Cowal Gathering Chairman Ronnie is excited to welcome GATG crowds back to Cowal Gathering saying: ‘I’m delighted live events are back for this year and can’t wait to welcome music fans back to this year’s GATG.
‘We’ve got a great line-up which will appeal to music lovers of all ages, and we know this year’s bands are excited about returning to the GATG and playing for our Cowal audience.
‘The GATG is a great night out and I expect tickets will be in high demand. I’d recommend buying early to avoid disappointment.’
Tickets for the Gig - which will take place on Friday, August 26 in the Gathering’s Cowal Music Tent are on sale now for £25 on the Cowal Gathering website at www.cowalgathering.com
The gates will open at 6.30pm with the first band due to kick off half an hour later. The event will finish at 11pm.
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 August.
Website and ticket launch
We have a couple of important pieces of information for you today, please read this post and share it with anyone who you think needs to see it.
Over the last few months, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to bring Cowal Gathering bang up-to-date, both in preparation for this year’s event but also for what we offer online.
So, with that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to our brand new website, which we’ve launched today and has been made possible through Digital Boost funding.
On here you’ll find all the information you need to make your visit to Cowal Gathering the best yet. If you’re a competitor you’ll be able to register for events as well as find the information you need in our dedicated competitor area. And if you’re a spectator you’ll be able to buy your tickets and plan your day to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
And with that in mind, we are delighted to say tickets for this year’s Cowal Gathering will go on sale at 12.00pm UK time, on WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 2022.
However, it is very important to remember that people who bought tickets in 2020 are able to carry their tickets forward to this year. This means there are fewer seats available and there are NO Grandstand or Enclosure seats available for Cowal Saturday.
The limited number of tickets we have available for sale will be for:
- Thursday (morning and afternoon) Grandstand and Enclosure.
- Thursday (morning and afternoon) East Stand.
- Friday (morning and afternoon) Grandstand and Enclosure.
- Friday (morning and afternoon) East Stand.
- Saturday (morning and afternoon) East Stand.
Please visit www.cowalgathering.com where you will find a live link to our Box Office at 12.00pm on Wednesday 13 April 2022.
As always, we value your feedback. Please have a look at the website and let us know what you think of it. We will, of course, be continuing to add to it as we get closer to this year’s event. We’ve even got a few special additions that will be coming your way in the next few weeks.
Thank you for your continued support – we hope you love the website as much as we do”