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.