GAME ON

Cowal Highland Gathering at Dunoon in Argyll is the world’s largest Highland Games. On the last weekend of August each year tens of thousands flock to watch competitors toss the caber, shot-put the 34lb Cowal Stone, and throw the hammer, while Highland dancers compete for the world title and Pipe Bands battle it out to be the best. Stay a little longer and you can explore the area’s vibrant forests, which include Atlantic oakwoods, Californian redwoods and the leaf-shadowed gorge of Puck’s Glen.