We’re counting down to what has been, for 130 years, one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends on the Scottish Highland Games calendar.
It is of course, Cowal Gathering, which this year celebrates its 130th anniversary. And, if you have already experienced the event, you will know it is much more than ‘just’ a Highland Games.
While the competitors do battle on the Stadium, each vying to win some historic Cowal Gathering silverware, up on the Top Field its family-friendly fun all the way with some of Scotland’s best entertainers on hand to keep everyone happy.
Despite juggling such a wide range of entertainment for people of all ages Gathering organisers have ensured that every ticket holder has an opportunity to schedule their day so as not to miss a thing.
And it’s worth repeating that this year, as every other year, every spectator can enjoy every attraction included in the price of their entry ticket.
That means you won’t have to choose between watching the riders fly through the air in the BMX Show or Braveheart Axe Throwing, discovering the secret of pushing your granny off a bus with Artie’s Singing Kettle or holding your breath as Stunt Runner Liam Collins performs his thrilling show. We also have come and try mountain biking, our Arts and Crafts Tent, Punch and Judy Shows, Giant Games, Crazy Golf… and the list goes on.
And that’s before we lead onto the second half of our Top Field entertainment, our much anticipated, legendary Cowal Music Tent. Cowal Gathering is renowned for the quality of music on offer on Saturday afternoon, as well as introducing new bands to the discerning Cowal audience.
This year the Live Music Tent is headlined by Cowal Gathering favourites and last year’s Gig at the Gathering headliners, Beinn Lee, who never fail to bring their distinctive west coast sound to enhance the festival atmosphere.
Joining Beinn Lee are Oban band Ceòl An Aire who will be stepping onto the Cowal Gathering stage for the first time. They will be joined by Abigail Pryde, who is no stranger to Cowal Gathering, having played with Heron Valley. This year however, she will be performing with the Abigail Pryde band.
Of course, it’s not Cowal Gathering without a dance and the Inverhooley Ceilidh Band will be on hand to kick off the afternoon’s entertainment, so remember to wear your dancing shoes!
All this entertainment is in addition to the traditional Highland games events which remain the cornerstone of Cowal Gathering – the World Highland Dancing Championships, the Cowal Pipe Band Championships and the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board, Fraser McCowan said: ‘We’ve been working especially hard behind the scenes to make sure our 130th anniversary is a party to remember.
‘We’ve brought back some firm favourites as well as introducing some new elements which we hope will delight Gathering goers of all ages.
‘We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and friends old and new back to Cowal, and showing them why Cowal Gathering has been seen as one of Scotland’s great days out since 1894.’
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 August.
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported by EventScotland’s 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.