This year’s Cowal Gathering came to a thrilling close today, as thousands of spectators from across the globe descended on Dunoon to witness one of Scotland’s most iconic and family-friendly events.
Regarded as one of the country’s best days out, the Gathering’s grand finale more than lived up to expectations. From Highland dancing and pipe bands to daredevil ducks, live music, and traditional heavy athletics, ‘Super Saturday’ delivered non-stop entertainment from early morning until nightfall.
More than 1,000 competitors showcased their skills, with dancers, pipers, wrestlers, and heavy athletes battling it out for coveted Cowal silverware. Adding to the excitement were this year’s Chieftains—renowned stars of STV News Sean Batty and Laura Boyd, who oversaw the day’s action.
One of the day’s major highlights was the Cowal Pipe Band Championship, where bands competed across several grades. Winners included:
• Novice Juvenile B – Oban High School Pipe Band
• Grade 3 Medley – Scottish Borders Pipe Band
• Grade 3 MSR – City of Newcastle Pipe Band
• Grade 2 – City of Newcastle Pipe Band
• Champion Drum Major – Rowan Murdoch of Scottish Power
• Juvenile Drum Major – Grace Murdoch of Barrhead and District
The Argyllshire Highland Dancing Competitions, (for dancers who live in Argyll and Bute), saw top prizes awarded across multiple age categories:
• 7 and under 12 (Premier) – Olivia Moffat from Garelochhead
• 12–13 (Premier) – Naomi Sim from Helensburgh
• 14–15 (Premier) – Erin McCrae from Tarbert
• 16 and over – Lucy Cameron from the Isle of Bute
The day culminated in the World Highland Dancing Championship Finals—the largest competition of its kind globally. Dancers from the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA competed for international glory.
World Juvenile Champion – Aisla Gocan-Wright from Ontario
• 2nd: Ellie Murgha from Queensland
• 3rd: Lucy McMaster from Carluke
• Best Scottish Juvenile Dancer was Lucy McMaster
• Best Overseas Juvenile Dancer was Aisla Gocan-Wright
World Junior Champion – Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh
• 2nd: Katjana Bruinsma from Alberta
• 3rd: Maria Monk from Glasgow
• Best Scottish Junior Dancer: Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh
• Best Overseas Junior Dancer: Katjana Bruinsma from Alberta
• World Adult Champion – Marielle Lesperance from Nova Scotia
• 2nd: Rebecca Thow from Aberdeen
• 3rd: Rosey Watt from Macduff
• Best Overseas Adult Dancer: Marielle Lesperance from Nova Scotia
• Best Scottish Adult Dancer: Rebecca Thow from Aberdeen
While competitors took centre stage in the stadium, the Cowal Live Music Tent drew the crowds with performances from some of the hottest names in traditional Scottish music.
Headlining the tent was returning favourite Rhuvaal alongside the fantastic Ross Miller Band, and the ever-popular Inverhooley Ceilidh Band, who ensured no one left without dancing.
Outdoors, the heavy athletics and wrestling competitions were fierce, with dramatic caber tosses and hammer throws drawing loud cheers.
• International Heavy Athletics Team Champions – Team Germany
• Men’s Individual Winner – Marius Linhoff from Germany
• Women’s Individual Winner – Emmerleigh Barter from Thurso
• Male Caber Toss Champions – Marius Linhoff from Germany
• Women: Emmerleigh Barter from Thurso
The Gathering also saw the return of The Drakes of Hazard, to the delight of Gathering goers of all ages. Other family favourites included the Braveheart Axe Throwing Team, Inveraray and District Pipe Band who are this year celebrating their 20th anniversary and Artie’s Singing Kettle, led by much loved children’s entertainer Artie Trezise.
Cowal Gathering Chairman David Mitchell MBE hailed the 2025 event as one of the most memorable yet:
‘We’ve just experienced a Cowal Gathering that will go down in history. From outstanding performances to electric crowds and family-friendly fun, it’s been a celebration of everything that makes this event so special.
‘I want to thank the people of Dunoon and the wider Cowal community, as well as our fantastic competitors, sponsors, and visitors from around the world.
This year’s event has been marked by world-class talent and incredible support, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.’
Ian Laister, Managing Director of Bakkafrost Scotland, the Gathering’s headline sponsor, also shared his pleasure in supporting the event, saying:
‘The Cowal Gathering has once again showcased the very best of Scotland in its biggest event yet. It’s been a pleasure to be at the heart of it, and it’s been particularly impressive to see the incredible strength and skills displayed by the heavy athletes on day three.
“Congratulations to all the competition winners and thank you to the volunteers whose hard work makes this annual spectacular possible.
“We’re committed to sharing value in the communities in which we live and work, and events like the Cowal Gathering bring visitors from far and wide to experience all that Dunoon has to offer.’
Cowal Gathering is supported through EventScotland, part of VisitScotland, through their International Events Programme.
Rob Dickson, Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, said: “The Cowal Gathering is one of Scotland’s most celebrated Highland Games, showcasing the very best of our cultural and sporting traditions.
“From world-class piping and Highland dancing to the strength and spectacle of heavy athletics and wrestling, alongside a vibrant mix of music and family entertainment, this year’s event was a true showcase of talent, heritage and community spirit.
“With visitors attending from near and far, the Cowal Gathering continues to play a vital role in supporting Scotland’s visitor economy and reinforcing our reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the website www.cowalgathering.com as soon as possible.
For more information about the event, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.