Countdown to Cowal extravaganza

Cowal Highland Gathering organisers are counting down the weeks until they welcome thousands of competitors and spectators to the world’s most spectacular Highland games.

Preparations are well under way to ensure the three-day extravaganza from Thursday August 23 lives up to its reputation as one of Scotland’s biggest and best annual events.

Among the attractions alFor ready planned for this year is a stellar line-up of traditional bands for the popular Friday night Gig at the Gathering and the ceilidh tent the following day.

The music is just one of the gathering’s many attractions, with the Highland dancing possibly the biggest.

Entries are flooding in from the world’s best Highland dancers, for whom a Cowal trophy represents the pinnacle of their sport. As in previous years, this year’s gathering will welcome competitors from Canada, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, all aiming to wrestle the silverware from local competitors.

The gathering also hosts the only international heavy athletics contest in Scotland, which attract athletes from Iceland, Germany and other European countries.

The traditional wrestling events often include competitors from Iceland and France – two hotbeds of traditional wrestling talent.

The piping, too, promises to be a major attraction as always, with bands and solo pipers battling it out to be crowned Cowal champions.

For more information, visit the website at cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.