It’s billed as the world’s most spectacular Highland Gathering and today thousands of spectators were treated to another day of fantastic competition on day two of Cowal Gathering.
With Highland Dancing, piping and heavy athletics on the menu, today was feast of world class competition.
And the day isn’t over yet as 1,200 people are getting ready to head back to the show ground for the Gig at the Gathering which starts at 7.00pm.
From the first competitions of the morning, there was never a dull moment as hundreds of dancers, athletes and pipers did battle to win 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:
Murron Putka from Leven in the 14 years section.
Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh in the 15 years section.
Amelia Leishman from Edinburgh in the 16 years section.
In the junior solo piping section, Camron Macphail from Kilmartin picked up the Burgh Cup. Grant Gibson from Dunoon was second, picking up The Inglis Trophy and Scott Wilson from Argyll took third, picking up The Campbell Birnie Trophy. The Best Dressed Playing Piper: Juvenile was Arran Green from Stirling.
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.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board Fraser McCowan said he was very happy with the way the event is progressing.
‘We’ve had a marvellous two days. As always, the atmosphere has been brilliant, and the crowds have been wowed by some incredible competition,’ he said.
‘And while our traditional events may be over for the day, we’re getting ready for the next fixture, the Gig at the Gathering later this evening.
‘The Gig is a fantastic way to kick off your Cowal Gathering weekend. Those lucky enough to have got a ticket can look forward to an excellent evening of music headlined by Beinn Lee. Those people who weren’t so fortunate can look forward to tomorrow’s Live Music Tent, sponsored by Cove UK when we welcome back one of this evening’s bands, Rhuvaal together with Cala Torridon and headliners Trail West.
‘If you haven’t already bought your ticket, I would urge you to come to the Stadium tomorrow for a fantastic day out with something for the whole family.’
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Congratulations to the winners so far in such a competitive field and well done to all who have taken part. Cowal Highland Gathering is a fantastic showcase for our country’s traditions and talent and Dunoon provides the perfect stage for this uniquely Scottish event.”
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the Gathering website as soon as possible.
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported through EventScotland’s International Events Programme.
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 August.
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.