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Latest news
04 Nov 2019
Cowal Highland Gathering brings home award at Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards
Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) is officially an award-winning event, after scooping a prestigious Highlands and Islands Tourism prize at a glittering ceremony in Inverness on Friday evening (1 November).The Gathering beat off stiff competition from HebCelt Festival and Tiree Music Festival to pick...
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07 Oct 2019
Cowal Highland Gathering shortlisted for two major awards
The world’s most spectacular Highland gathering has been shortlisted in two of the UK’s most prestigious tourism awards.Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) is the only Scottish finalist in the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) awards ‘Large Festival of the Year’...
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30 Sep 2019
The shortlist for the prestigious National Outdoor Events Association Awards 2019 has been announced
The shortlist for this year’s National Outdoor Events Association Awards 2019 has been announced. The16th annual Convention and Awards Dinner will be held in Roman Baths and Pump Rooms, Bath on November 27 and will see the very best in the industry gain recognition from the prestigious...
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23 Sep 2019
HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS TOURISM AWARDS 2019 FINALISTS REVEALED
The finalists in the prestigious Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards have been announced with more than 40 firms and individuals in line for a HITA award, after judges whittled down hundreds of entries to create shortlists in categories ranging from best informal eating experience to innovation in...
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31 Aug 2019
Cowal Highland Gathering 2019 signs off in style
As family days out go, this one was surely hard to beat. Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the spectacular climax of the Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG).Competitors and spectators alike joined forces to ensure the event’s finale was, as always, a day to...
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30 Aug 2019
Cowal Highland Gathering crowds enjoy spectacular day
Visitors to the Cowal Highland Gathering today had a taste of why the event has the reputation of being the world’s most spectacular Highland Games. The crowds who gathered in Dunoon were treated to a feast of top quality Highland Dancing and solo piping. And the evening’s fun...
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29 Aug 2019
Spectators flock to day one of Cowal Highland Gathering 2019
The crowds came out in Dunoon today as Cowal’s world famous Gathering finally got underway.Visitors have been pouring into the town over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly awaited Highland Games events in the Scottish calendar.Today they joined scores of local...
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16 Aug 2019
Champion axe throwers lay down gauntlet to 2019 Gathering visitors
Cowal Highland Gathering is renowned for the additional entertainment it provides alongside the traditional Highland dancing, piping and heavy athletics, and this year there’s a big, bold new attraction in town – Axe Throwing.The Braveheart Axe Throwing Club from Glasgow, which ranks as...
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05 Jul 2019
Music lovers in for a treat at 2019 Gathering
Fans of traditional Scottish music will be flocking to this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering to enjoy some of the most exciting acts currently on the circuit. The famous Ceilidh Tent – always one of the event’s main attractions – will this year boast a fantastic line up of...
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01 Apr 2019
2019 Gig at the Gathering tickets on sale now!
Tickets are now on sale for Cowal Highland Gathering’s flagship Friday night gig, which is back bigger and better than ever, with an exciting line-up and new headline sponsor. Once again, Cowal Highland Gathering’s annual ‘Gig at the Gathering’ will showcase some of...
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29 Mar 2019
HIGHLAND DANCING ENTRIES LIVE FOR 2019
Entries for this year’s Highland Dancing competitions are live on our website now.http://www.cowalgathering.com/competitors/entry-forms/highland-dancing/
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18 Feb 2019
COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING TICKETS GO ON SALE ON 27 FEBRUARY 2019
Tickets for the 2019 Cowal Highland Gathering will go on sale on Wednesday (27 February) at 12.00 noon UK time.Visit www.cowalgathering.com where a link to the ticket page will appear. As in 2018, ticket sales will be handled via online booking company, Eventbrite. Morning and afternoon tickets...
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24 Jan 2019
Highland Dancing improvements for 2019 competitions
We are continuing to make improvements to our Highland Dancing events and have several changes to announce:Schedule Changes - Thursday 29th August - Scottish Championship and World Qualifiers, Friday 30th August - Scottish National Championship.Additional Championship - The Argyllshire Championship...
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28 Dec 2018
Ghillie kicks off 125th Cowal Highland Gathering celebrations
Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) organisers kicked their 125th-anniversary celebrations off in style as Ghillie the CHG bear left Dunoon onboard Western Ferries with multiple World Highland Dancing Champion Morgan Bamford, on a world trip which will cover three continents and take eight months to...
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25 Aug 2018
Crowds flock to finale of 2018 Cowal Highland Gathering
Billed as one of Scotland’s best days out the finale of the 2018 Cowal Highland Gathering lived up to its reputation. Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the final day of the world’s most spectacular Highland Gathering with competitors, entertainers...
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24 Aug 2018
Cowal Highland Gathering fans enjoy spectacular day
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 Highland Gathering. With Highland Dancing, piping and heavy athletics on the menu, today was feast of world class...
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23 Aug 2018
Dunoon welcomes crowds for day one of Cowal Highland Gathering 2018
Dunoon welcomed thousands of people today as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games finally kicked off. Visitors from the four corners of the globe have been pouring into the town and surrounding area over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly anticipated...
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22 Aug 2018
Watch the Highland Dancing live
Watch the Highland Dancing Stages live here. This year to watch you need to buy a ticket. Click on one of the links below (for stage 1 or stage 2) and click on the "Buy all events" button. Once you’ve paid and you have your login details, you can use them to watch either channel (for stage 1 or...
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20 Aug 2018
COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING MUCH MORE THAN A HIGHLAND GAMES
With just days to go until the 2018 Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) organisers are looking forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe back to Dunoon to take part in world-class competitions. This year CHG will welcome record numbers of Highland dancers as 768 competitors from as far afield...
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31 Jul 2018
HIGHLAND DANCING JUDGES PANEL FOR COWAL 2018
Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) has revealed the international panel of judges preparing to head to Dunoon to adjudicate on the world’s best Highland Dancers. This year’s panel, which will oversee a record breaking 768 dancers perform at this year’s Gathering, welcomes judges from...
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10 Jul 2018
COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING WELCOMES TEAM AUSTRIA TO COMPETE FOR INTERNATIONAL HEAVY ATHLETICS GLORY
One of Cowal Highland Gathering’s (CHG) most fiercely contested competitions will this year welcome a fourth international team, as Austria joins the athletes battling to be crowned Cowal International Heavy Athletics Champions. Introduced to the Gathering in 2016, the Cowal International...
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26 Jun 2018
HIGHLAND DANCERS - PLEASE CHECK!
Entries for this year’s Highland Dancing competitions at Cowal Highland Gathering close on SUNDAY 1 JULY. We cannot accept any late entries - so please make sure your entry makes the closing date.In addition, this year we moved to a new system and we’re asking you to make sure the entry form is in...
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18 Jun 2018
Western Ferries continue support for Cowal Highland Gathering
Once again Scotland’s premier family-friendly Highland Gathering will feature its traditional send-off. Western Ferries today (Friday 15 June) confirmed that as part of their long-standing and wide-reaching local sponsorship programme, that they are once again supporting the Cowal Highland...
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01 May 2018
COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR COWAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Organisers of the Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) are counting down the weeks until they welcome thousands of competitors and spectators to the world’s most spectacular Highland Games with the launch of a new video. Celebrating the Gathering’s unique atmosphere the video captures...
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23 Feb 2018
Tickets on sale as Cowal Highland Gathering reveal fourth Gig at the Gathering line up!
With the hottest gig of summer just over six months away, Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) has revealed the line up for its fourth Friday night gig. And what a line up it is, with one of Scotland’s top ceilidh bands headlining and, for the first time, an international band hitting the stage to...
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26 Aug 2017
Rousing finale to 2017 Cowal Highland Gathering
As family days out go, this was one of the best. Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the finale of the celebrated Cowal Highland Gathering. Competitors and spectators alike joined forces to ensure the event’s spectacular Saturday was a day to remember for...
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25 Aug 2017
Cowal Highland Gathering crowds enjoy spectacular day
Visitors to the Cowal Highland Gathering today had a taste of why the event is billed as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games. The crowds who gathered in Dunoon were treated to a feast of top quality Highland Dancing, piping and heavy athletics as well as a variety of other...
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24 Aug 2017
Crowds descend on Dunoon for day one of Cowal Highland Gathering
Dunoon welcomed thousands of people today as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games finally kicked off. Visitors have been pouring into the town over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Scottish calendar. Today they joined crowds of...
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24 Aug 2017
View the Cowal Highland Gathering Live Feed
Our live feed is now LIVE! For the next three days from Thursday 24 - Saturday 26 August we will be streaming all the action from the main dancing platform LIVE! Click the link to watch online. https://livestream.com/accounts/3661274/events/7671379
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14 Aug 2017
DUNOON GEARS UP TO WELCOME GATHERING CROWDS
Cowal Highland Gathering organisers are getting ready to welcome thousands of competitors and spectators to one of the country’s most exciting and fun-filled annual events. Final preparations are now being made to ensure the three-day extravaganza lives up to its billing as one of...
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17 Jul 2017
Highland dancing judges panel for Cowal 2017
Some of the world’s most respected Highland Dancing experts are preparing to head to Dunoon to judge the world’s best Highland Dancers at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG). Once again we have a stellar line-up with the adjudication panel coming from Scotland, England, the...
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10 Jul 2017
More dancers than ever sign up for Cowal Gathering
A record number of the world’s best Highland Dancers are preparing to travel to Dunoon next month for the world’s biggest highland dancing extravaganza. An incredible 720 dancers have entered this year’s event, easily beating last year’s total – which was itself a...
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16 Jun 2017
Cowal Highland Gathering celebrates Chieftain news
Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) will boast one of the UK’s most successful business figures as its ceremonial figurehead for the foreseeable future. Nick Ferguson CBE, former chairman of Sky plc, has accepted the invitation to be the event’s Honorary Chieftain on an ongoing basis. For...
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13 Dec 2016
2017 Gig at the Gathering tickets on sale now!
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for ceilidh music lovers? Look no further. Tickets for traditional music’s most exciting event were launched today, just in time to prove Christmas 2016’s must-have gift. In the space of just two years, Cowal Highland Gathering’s (CHG)...
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04 Oct 2016
Cowal Highland Gathering shortlisted in major awards
Scotland’s most spectacular Highland Games has been shortlisted in one of the country’s most prestigious tourism awards. Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) is one of only four finalists in the ‘Best Cultural Event or Festival’ category of the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards...
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27 Aug 2016
Cowal Highland Gathering 2016 signs off with a bang
As family days out go, this one ranked among Scotland’s very best. Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the spectacular climax of the Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG). Competitors and spectators alike joined forces to ensure the event’s finale was a day...
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26 Aug 2016
Cowal Highland Gathering crowds enjoy spectacular day
Visitors to the Cowal Highland Gathering today had a taste of why the event is billed as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games. The crowds who gathered in Dunoon were treated to a feast of top quality Highland Dancing, piping and heavy athletics as well as a variety of other...
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25 Aug 2016
Spectators flock to day one of Cowal Highland Gathering 2016
The crowds came out in Dunoon today as Cowal’s world famous Gathering finally got underway. Visitors have been pouring into the town over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly awaited Highland Games events in the Scottish calendar. Today they joined scores of...
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01 Aug 2016
New international challenge for Cowal Highland Gathering athletes
One of Cowal Highland Gathering’s most traditional and keenly contested competitions is to boast a new level of international rivalry. For the last few years, the hugely popular heavy athletics disciplines have featured competitors not just from the UK but also Iceland and Germany –...
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25 Jul 2016
Top dancing judges line up for Cowal 2016
Some of the world’s most respected Highland Dancing experts are preparing to head to Dunoon to judge the world’s best Highland Dancers at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG). Once again we have a stellar line-up with the adjudication team coming from Scotland, the USA,...
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12 Jul 2016
Cowal prepares to welcome record number of dancers
A record number of the world’s best Highland Dancers have signed up for next month’s Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG). The event – which hosts both the Scottish and World Highland Dancing Championships – is the biggest and most popular highland dancing competition on the...
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21 Jun 2016
Cowal Highland Gathering announces its 2016 Chieftain
One of the UK’s most successful business figures has been unveiled as the Honorary Chieftain of this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG). Nick Ferguson CBE will accept the salute from the massed bands as well as present the trophies in the prestigious Highland Dancing and Pipe Band...
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20 Jun 2016
Friday fun guaranteed at Cowal Highland Gathering
Great news, party people! Cowal Highland Gathering’s Friday night gig, which was held for the first time last year, is back by popular demand. The Gig at the Gathering, sponsored once again by Argyll Ferries, proved a major hit with locals and visitors alike in 2015, and organisers are...
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03 Jun 2016
Western Ferries’ pledge lights Cowal Highland Gathering fuse
Scotland’s premier family-friendly Highland Games is to feature its spectacular send off once again. Western Ferries today confirmed that part of their sponsorship support would again cover Cowal Highland Gathering’s (CHG) famous closing fireworks display. The Dunoon-based company has...
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20 Mar 2016
Highland Dancing registration opens on 21 March 2016
Registration for the Highland Dancing competitions at the 2016 Cowal Highland Gathering open at 12.00 noon on Monday 21 March. Visit www.cowalgathering.com after this time to find the link.
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12 Feb 2016
Cowal Highland Gathering 2016 tickets go on sale
Tickets for the 2016 Cowal Gathering will go on sale online at www.cowalgathering.com at 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 15 February.To buy your admission and seating tickets, click the link on the website which will take you to the order pages. Once your order is complete you will receive an email...
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15 Dec 2015
2016 Gig at the Gathering tickets on sale now!
Tickets for ceilidh music’s most exciting new event were launched today – with many expected to be snapped up as Christmas gifts. Cowal Highland Gathering’s inaugural ‘Gig at the Gathering’ was so successful this year that the organisers have wasted no time in once...
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29 Aug 2015
Rousing finale to 2015 Cowal Highland Gathering
As family days out go, this was one of the best. Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the finale of the celebrated Cowal Highland Gathering. Competitors and spectators alike joined forces to ensure the event’s spectacular Saturday was a day to remember for...
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28 Aug 2015
Cowal Highland Gathering crowds enjoy spectacular day
Visitors to the Cowal Highland Gathering were today offered a taste of why the event is billed as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games. The crowds who gathered in Dunoon were treated to a feast of top quality Highland Dancing, piping and heavy athletics as well as a variety of other...
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27 Aug 2015
Crowds descend on Dunoon for day one of Cowal Highland Gathering
Dunoon welcomed thousands of people today as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games finally kicked off. Visitors have been pouring into the town over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Scottish calendar. Today they joined crowds of...
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25 Aug 2015
Raise a glass to the winners of window-dressing competition
The celebrations for Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) week kicked off in style with the announcement Argyll Vintners/The Sewing Bee have won the annual window dressing display, with runners-up Well Pharmacy and Walker Home and Garden. As well as a £250 first prize the Hillfoot Street shop has...
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18 Aug 2015
Record number of dancers sign up for Cowal
Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) is preparing to welcome a record number of the world’s best Highland Dancers later this month. Nearly 650 dancers from across the globe are gearing up to challenge for the world’s most coveted trophies at the famous event. Many will have travelled...
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17 Aug 2015
Cowal spectators spoiled for choice
On the face of it, the entertainment on offer at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) presents an almost impossible choice for spectators. World class Highland Dancing or world class piping? Heavy athletics or traditional wrestling? World famous mountain bike stunt team or one of...
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17 Aug 2015
Western Ferries Announces an Enhanced Timetable for the 2015 Cowal Games Week
Western Ferries has confirmed that they will again be providing an increased number of sailings, to satisfy the demand from locals and visitors, over the Cowal Games’ week. Western Ferries will be providing a four boat service with departures every 15 minutes from Hunter’s Quay, Dunoon...
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14 Aug 2015
Cowal Highland Gathering boasts top music acts once again
Some of Scotland’s most exciting and dynamic traditional music acts are heading to Dunoon later this month to play their part in the world’s most spectacular Highland Games. Cowal Highland Gathering’s McEwan’s Ceilidh Tent promises to be bursting at the seams as a succession...
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12 Aug 2015
2015 COWAL HIGHLAND GATHERING ANNOUNCES RADIO CLYDE CASH FOR KIDS AS CHARITY PARTNER
Cowal Highland Gathering is delighted to announce that its charity partner for this year’s event is Radio Clyde Cash for Kids. The charity, which was founded in 1980, provides vital financial support to small charities and communities groups across the west of Scotland that provide a wide...
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27 Jul 2015
Cowal Highland Gathering announces its 2015 Chieftain
One of Scotland’s most high profile actors has been unveiled as the Honorary Chieftain of Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) 2015. Greenock-born Martin Compston – who burst onto the big screen in 2002 in the lead role of Liam in Sweet Sixteen – is making the 5,000 mile trip from Los...
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13 Jul 2015
Friday night is party night at Cowal Highland Gathering
Fancy enjoying top class ceilidh music, a cask ale bar, whisky and gin tasting and a hog roast BBQ all on one night and in one place? If so, the new Gig at the Gathering, sponsored by Argyll Ferries, is the place to be on the evening of Friday, August 28. Tickets for the Gig are already being...
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03 Jul 2015
Top dancing judges line up for Cowal
Some of the world’s most respected Highland Dancing experts are preparing to judge the world’s best Highland Dancers at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG). Once again the adjudication team comes from the four corners of the globe, heading to Dunoon from Scotland, Canada,...
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29 Jun 2015
Highland Dancing and Solo Piping entries CLOSE 1 July
Registration for the 2015 Cowal Highland Gathering Highland Dancing and Solo Piping competitions CLOSE on Wednesday 1 July.Please make sure your entry is in before this date to ensure you can take part in this year’s competitions.
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02 Apr 2015
The Scottish Salmon Company announces sponsorship extension of the Cowal Gathering
Today, The Scottish Salmon Company announced it will be extending its title sponsorship of Cowal Highland Gathering for four years.Last year was the first time The Scottish Salmon Company had been involved in the event, which is regarded as the world’s most spectacular Highland games, and...
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11 Mar 2015
Highland Dancing registration opens 17 March
Registration for the Highland Dancing competitions at the 2015 Cowal Highland Gathering open at 12.00 noon on Tuesday 17 March. Visit www.cowalgathering.com after this time to find the link.
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12 Feb 2015
Cowal Highland Gathering 2015 tickets go on sale
Tickets for the 2015 Cowal Gathering will go on sale online at www.cowalgathering.com at 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 16 February.To buy your admission and seating tickets, click the link on the website which will take you to the order pages. Once your order is complete you will receive an email...
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31 Aug 2014
Results of the Most Entertaining Band in the street competition
The results of the Most Entertaining Band competition in the street last night are: 1st prize - £500 sponsored by The 51st State & La Cantina - Oban High School Pipe BandRunners Up prizes - £100 each sponsored by The Commercial Bar The Commercial Bar and MacClure’s Bar:2nd -...
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30 Aug 2014
Rousing finale to 2014 Cowal Highland Gathering
As family days out go, this one was surely hard to beat. Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the finale of the celebrated Cowal Highland Gathering.Competitors and spectators alike joined forces to ensure the event’s spectacular Saturday was a day to remember...
Read More
29 Aug 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering crowds enjoy spectacular day
Visitors to the Cowal Highland Gathering today discovered why the event is billed as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games. The crowds who gathered in Dunoon were treated to a feast of top quality Highland Dancing, piping and heavy athletics as well as a variety of other entertainment....
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28 Aug 2014
Spectators flock to day one of Cowal Highland Gathering 2014
The crowds came out in Dunoon today as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games finally kicked off.Visitors have been pouring into the town over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Scottish calendar.Today they joined scores of local...
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27 Aug 2014
Hair salon brushes off competition to win window-dressing contest
The competition among Dunoon’s traders to create the most visually striking Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) window display has been won by a town centre hair salon. The Beauty Box on Argyll Street picked up the £250 first prize as well as its very own silverware – the Cowal...
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20 Aug 2014
Dunoon shops pull out the stops for the Gathering
The piping, dancing and heavy athletics might be the most hotly contested events at Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG), but there’s an equally serious competition going on in the centre of Dunoon.Some 30 shops around the town are currently displaying one of the trophies which will be presented at...
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20 Aug 2014
International visitors flock to Cowal
Visitors from across the world are preparing to travel to Scotland to witness the thrills and spills of the world’s most spectacular highland games. Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) invariably welcomes spectators from the likes of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This year,...
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13 Aug 2014
Cowal set to welcome pipe bands
Preparations for the world’s most spectacular Highland Games are now reaching their climax.Among the issues being finalised this week in the run up to the famous Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) is the draw for the pipe band competitions, which was published today.Some 26 pipe bands have signed...
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11 Aug 2014
Fish farming company sponsors Cowal Gathering
THE Board of the Cowal Gathering has today revealed that the Scottish Salmon Company (SSC) is the brand new title sponsor for this year’s event.Taking place on the last weekend in August, 23,000 people are expected to attend the annual event in Dunoon, Scotland, widely recognised as the...
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04 Aug 2014
Changes to Highland Dancing running order – Cowal Highland Gathering Friday
Due to high entries in the 12 and 13 year old competitions we have had to move the 12 and 13 year olds from the afternoon on the east stand to the morning. We have also moved the 8,9,10 and 11 year old from the morning in the east stand to the afternoon. Anyone who has ordered morning tickets for...
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30 Jul 2014
Gathering offers free entry to Cowal primary pupils
Cowal Highland Gathering is providing local families with an extra incentive to join the thousands of people who will flock to Scotland’s premier highland games event.Every primary school pupil in Cowal will receive a voucher when they return to school next month, which entitles them to free...
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23 Jul 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering announces its 2014 Chieftain
The ceremonial head of Argyll and Bute Council has been unveiled as the Honorary Chieftain of this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG).Councillor Len Scoullar, Provost of Argyll and Bute, will accept the salute from the massed bands as well as present the trophies in the prestigious...
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15 Jul 2014
Cowal Hill Race opens to entrants
Runners across Scotland are being urged to sign up for one of the most challenging 5km races in the country.The Cowal Hill Race may only be in its second year, but it’s already an integral and very popular part of the Cowal Highland Gathering.The race, which is sponsored by Argyll Financial...
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04 Jul 2014
Cowells plan transatlantic trip to Cowal
If your surname happens to be Cowell, where better to host a family reunion than the famous Cowal Highland Gathering?Living several thousand miles away hasn’t put the Cowell family from America off one bit. In fact, nearly 20 of them are gearing up to make the trip to Dunoon at the end of...
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20 Jun 2014
Gathering boosts wrestling competitions
Some of the world’s top exponents of traditional backhold wrestling are expected at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering following news of two new competitions.In the past, the Gathering has hosted the Scottish ’Open’ Championship at 15st 7lb and the female Scottish Open Weight...
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16 Jun 2014
Top dancing judges line up for Cowal
The world’s best Highland Dancers are preparing to wow the audience at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering – and watching their every move will be some of the world’s most respected judges. The judging team for this year has just been announced, and once again it has an...
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11 Jun 2014
Beat the rush for Family Ceilidh tickets
Tickets have just gone on sale for one of the most popular events of the Cowal Highland Gathering extravaganza. People hoping to start their weekend with a bang at the celebrated Family Ceilidh on Friday, August 29 are being urged to buy their tickets now. The event – held in Dunoon’s...
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10 Jun 2014
Top storyteller returns to weave his magic
One of Scotland’s most celebrated children’s entertainers has confirmed he will be returning to Cowal Highland Gathering this year. Artie Trezise – who spent 30 years as one half of the famous Singing Kettle, Scotland’s biggest children’s act – will be back with...
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14 May 2014
Cowal Pipe Band Championship prize pot among the biggest
Some of the world’s top pipe bands will battle it out for one of the biggest prize pots available when the Cowal Pipe Band Championship kick off at the end of August. The prizes on offer for bands placed at Cowal Highland Gathering’s (CHG) piping festival are more generous than they...
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12 May 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering attracts top ceilidh acts
The Cowal Highland Gathering has once again ensured that its famous Ceilidh Tent will feature some of Scotland’s most exciting and dynamic traditional music acts.The line-up of bands for the 2014 event, announced today, promises not only to excite existing ceilidh music fans but also generate...
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29 Apr 2014
Solo Piping Competition Entry Forms
Entry forms for the solo piping competitions on the Friday of the Cowal Gathering will go live on our website (www.cowalgathering.com) at 12 noon on Wednesday 30th April 2014. Links to the entry forms will be available from that ime on the competitor side of the website. Closing date for entries is...
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24 Apr 2014
Australian dancer prepares for trip of a lifetime
An Australian teenager is preparing to travel nearly 11,000 miles to fulfil her dream to dance in Scotland. Champion Highland dancer Ashley Draper, from the Australian state of Tasmania, has won a scholarship to come and pit her skills against the best in the world at this year’s Cowal...
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09 Apr 2014
Cowal Pipe Band Entry Forms Available
Entry forms for this year’s Cowal Pipe Band Championship are now available via the RSPBA website.http://www.rspba.org/documents/Entry_Cowal.pdfWe are pleased to have been able to keep the prize money on offer for the Cowal Championships at the same level as it was as a "major" as well as still...
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28 Mar 2014
Western Ferries ramps up its support for Cowal Highland Gathering
Scotland’s most spectacular Highland Games is celebrating after learning of a major sponsorship boost. Dunoon-based ferry company Western Ferries (Clyde) Limited, which has in the past sponsored Cowal Highland Gathering’s (CHG) closing Fireworks display, has committed to increase its...
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19 Mar 2014
Top cycling stunt team heading for Cowal 2014
The organisers of Cowal Highland Gathering 2014 have announced a spectacular addition to this year’s schedule of attractions. The UK’s most exciting and dynamic cycling stunt team – The Clan – will be performing at the event for the first time. The Clan has wowed audiences...
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10 Mar 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering announces new charity partner
Scotland’s premier Highland Games event today announced it has joined forces with one of the countries’ best-loved charities.Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) is teaming up with Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) as its first ever charity partner.CHAS provides the only...
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14 Feb 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering 2014 – Ticket Sales
Tickets for the 2014 Cowal Gathering will go on sale online at www.cowalgathering.com at 12 noon (UK time) on Monday 17 February.To buy your admission and seating tickets, click the link on the website which will take you to the order pages. Once your order is complete you will receive an email...
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03 Feb 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering competition winners announced
The four lucky winners of this year’s free ticket competition have just been announced. The quartet includes a Cowal Highland Games fan all the way from Canada as well as a 10 year old local girl from Sandbank. All four spotted the trophy hidden in the smoothie bar in the competition artwork....
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29 Jan 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering secures council funding
Organisers of the world’s oldest pipe band competition have welcomed Argyll and Bute Council’s decision to maintain its existing level of financial support. The council agreed to allocate the Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) £68,205 in 2014/15 – the sum set out in its ongoing...
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17 Jan 2014
Cowal Highland Gathering 2014 taking shape
The organisers of the world’s most spectacular Highland games are confident the 2014 event will be one to remember.Plans for this year’s 2014 Cowal Highland Gathering are already at an advanced stage, and chair Ronnie Cairns said this year’s event is shaping up to be a big hit...
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12 Sep 2013
Cowal Highland Gathering proves a worldwide hit
Figures released today show that this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering was a global success.Thousands of people from across the world flocked to Dunoon for the three day extravaganza, both as competitors and spectators.Those competing included 599 highland dancers, 132 pipe bands, 97 solo...
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01 Sep 2013
Rousing finale to 2013 Cowal Highland Gathering
Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the finale of the celebrated Cowal Highland Gathering.Competitors and spectators alike joined forces to ensure the event’s spectacular Saturday was a day to remember for everyone involved.From the hundreds of dancers and...
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30 Aug 2013
Cowal Highland Gathering crowds enjoy spectacular day
Visitors to the Cowal Highland Gathering today discovered why the event is billed as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games.The thousands who gathered in Dunoon were treated to a feast of top quality Highland Dancing, piping and heavy athletics as well as a variety of other...
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29 Aug 2013
Crowds flock to day one of Cowal Highland Gathering
Dunoon welcomed thousands of people today as the world’s most spectacular Highland Games finally kicked off.Visitors have been pouring into the town over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly awaited events in the Scottish calendar.Today they joined crowds of...
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06 Aug 2013
Change to Timings of the Scottish Championships
Please note that we have just received the running order for the Scottish Championships on the Friday. Unfortunately due to the number of dancers in the 12yr and 13yr age groups it has been necesarry to change the timings of these competitions. The 8yr, 9yr, 10yr and 11yr competitions will still...
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05 Aug 2013
2013 Drumming Masterclass
Cowal Highland Gathering is delighted to announce that it is to hold two masterclasses with Stephen Creighton, the lead drummer with the award winning St. Laurence O’Toole Grade 1 Pipe Band. Stephen has offered to host two masterclass workshops at this year’s event on Friday 30th...
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02 Aug 2013
Cowal Highland Gathering Introduce Hill Race
Entry to the first Cowal Highland Gathering Hill Run opened yesterday (Thursday 1st August) with an online form available on this website. The race which is sponsored by Argyll Financial Services of Ferry Brae, Dunoon, will take place on Saturday 31st August at 1.40pm and will certainly be...
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26 Jul 2013
Cowal Highland Gathering Statement Regarding RSPBA Decision
The Board of Cowal Highland Gathering has expressed it’s disappointment at the news that it has failed to retain its ’major’ status. The announcement was made earlier today by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA).Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) Chair Ronnie Cairns said...
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17 Jul 2013
Top kids entertainment for Cowal Highland Gathering
Children attending this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering will be spoilt for choice when it comes to extra entertainment. Among the highlights of the kids entertainment will be Artie Trezise, who spent 30 years as one half of The Singing Kettle - Scotland’s biggest children’s act....
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02 Jul 2013
Competitor Entries Now Closed
Please note entries for competing in the highland dancing and solo piping competitions at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering have now closed and it is not possible to accept any late entries. We wish all our registered competitors the best of luck at this year’s event.
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28 Jun 2013
Competitor Entries Close 1st July
Cowal Highland Gathering wish to remind competitors that the closing date for entering the Highland Dancing and Solo Piping competitions is the 1st July. No late entries can be accepted under any circumstances so please ensure your entry is submitted now.
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25 Jun 2013
Top Acts announced for Cowal Gathering Ceilidh Tent
The line up for the famous Ceilidh Tent at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering was revealed yesterday. The quartet of acts includes some of the hottest up and coming names on the traditional music scene. Leading the pack is one of Scotland’s most popular established ceilidh bands, Oban based...
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18 Jun 2013
Cowal Highland Gathering Announces 2013 Chieftain
One of Scotland’s most respected politicians has been unveiled as the Honorary Chieftain of this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering. Rt Hon Lord Robertson of Port Ellen, who was born on the Isle of Islay but spent most of his childhood in Dunoon, will accept the salute from the spectacular...
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14 Jun 2013
Cowal Highland Gathering Spreads the Word
The world’s most spectacular Highland Games is hoping for the best ever turnout after completing a huge leaflet campaign. Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) has just distributed 80,000 leaflets across Scotland’s central belt. They will appear in all major visitor attractions as well as...
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06 Jun 2013
Friday Night Family Ceilidh Tickets On Sale
Tickets for the family ceilidh on the friday night (30th) of the Cowal Gathering are now on sale.We are delighted to announce that Skipinnish will be the main act and are guaranteed to have you whirling and wheeling the night away. Although the ceilidh is a new addition to the Cowal programme it...
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29 May 2013
2013 Highland Dancing Judging Panel Announced
Cowal Highland Gathering are delighted to announce the judging panel for the highland dancing championships at this year’s Cowal Gathering.We are extremely grateful to the various national and international dancing organisations for their assistance with the nomination procedure these include...
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01 May 2013
Solo Piping Entry Forms Online
Solo Piping entry forms are now available via this website. The link can be found on the right hand side of any page on the competitors side of the website. Please be aware that the closing date for entries is the 1st July 2013 and no late entries will beaccepted under any circumstances. Don’t miss...
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21 Mar 2013
Dancing Entry Forms to go Live
Entry forms for the dancing competitions at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering will go live on Monday 25th March at 12 noon (UK time). At this time a link will appear on the website which will direct you to the entry forms. Please note that the dancing order will once again be decided by a random...
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15 Feb 2013
2013 Admission and Seating Tickets to go on sale
Tickets for the 2013 Cowal Highland Gathering will go on sale on Tuesday 26th February at 12 noon (UK time). At this time a link will appear on the website enabling the purchase of admission and seating tickets. Once an order is placed you should recieve two automatic confirmations. The first...
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16 Nov 2012
2012 DVD
Our partners at Cowal Media are delighted to confirm that the DVD of the 2012 Cowal Highland Gathering is now available. As in previous years the DVD features footage of the World Highland Dancing Championships, the Grade 1 Pipe band Championships and the Burgh Cup solo piping competition. Follow...
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05 Sep 2012
Cowal Gathering 2013 Dates
The 2013 Cowal Highland Gathering will take place between:Thursday 29th August to Saturday 31st August
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23 Aug 2012
Weather looking up
Weather is always an interesting factor in Argyll but it looks like the weather is going to be better than expected earlier in the week. There certainly isn’t any chance of it spoiling the event and the slight breeze will keep any midges at bay. You may see a shower or two but plenty of dry...
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10 Aug 2012
Reminder of Change of Dancing Order on Friday
We would like to remind competitors in the Scottish Championships on the Friday That there has had to be a change to the running order. Competitors in events 8,9,10 and 11 will now compete in the afternoon and those in 12 and 13 will compete in the morning. As mentioned in the previous notification...
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30 Jul 2012
Cowal Ceilidh Dance - The Bill Grows
This year the Family Ceilidh Dance, which takes place in the Queens Hall on Friday 24th August, will have even more entertainment for you all to enjoy. As well as the excellent Ballochmyle Ceilidh Band, who were a huge success at last year’s sell out dance, the Cowal Pipe Band have also agreed to...
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06 Jul 2012
BBC Programme on Highland Games
BBC Scotland were at last year’s Cowal Gathering and did a lot of filming and interviews whilst there for a programme on Highland Games and competitors. The programme is to be shown on BBC1 on Sunday 8th July at 8pm. We hope that there will be plenty of footage from Cowal in the programme but we...
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01 Jul 2012
Entries Close tonight (1st July)
Today is the last day that you can enter the highland dancing and solo piping competitions for this year’s gathering. The entry forms will be removed from the site at 22.00hrs tonight (1st July) and no further entries can be accepted. Dont miss out, enter now.
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20 Jun 2012
Cowal Gathering introduces second facebook page
The 1st Cowal Gathering facebook page now has over 5000 friends and unfortunately we are unable to add new friends. To ensure that people can still still sign up and follow the gathering we have set up a second page. Any information posted on the new site will also be posted on the original page...
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14 Jun 2012
Time Running Out to Enter Competitions
We are now half way through June and the 1st July deadline for entering the highland dancing and solo piping competitions is getting closer. Remember we cannot accept any late entries for either competitions under any circumstances. So please do not leave it to the last minute and risk missing out....
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01 Jun 2012
Reminder of Key Dates
Please remember that the closing date for entering the highland dancing and solo piping competitions is the 1st July. so you have only 4 weeks left to enter. Late entries cannot be accepted so please do not leave it to the last minute and risk missing out. Get your entry in now for peace of mind....
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26 Apr 2012
Family Ceilidh Dance Tickets Now on Sale
Last year’s family ceilidh dance was hugely popular and we are delighted to be hosting another one this year. The Queen’s Hall on Friday the 24th August at 7.30pm is the place to be. By popular demand the Ballochmyle Ceilidh Band will once again be providing the music to dance the night away...
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19 Apr 2012
Solo Piping Entry Forms to go Live
The entry forms for this year’s solo piping competitions will go live on the website on Monday 23rd April at 12 noon (UK time). At this time a link will appear on the competitor pages to take you to the entry forms. Closing date for entries is the 1st July 2012 and no late entries can be...
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17 Apr 2012
Cowal Highland Gathering recognised in National Award
At the recent National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) annual awards dinner Cowal Highland Gathering was announced as the runner up in the NOEA Scotland Award. The NOEA say ’this award aims to give recognition to those events which have achieved the highest levels of excellence or have made...
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15 Mar 2012
Dancing Entries Going Live
Entry forms for all dancing events at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering will be available on this website from Tuesday 20th March at 12 noon (uk time). At this time a link will appear on the competitors pages of the site taking you to the entry forms. Please read the information on these pages...
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06 Mar 2012
Dancing Competition Entries
The Entry forms for the dancing competitions at this year’s Cowal Gathering will be available on the website around the middle of March. The exact date will be confirmed on the site very shortly. Watch here for more information very soon.
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10 Feb 2012
Tickets soon to be released
I am pleased to confirm that seating and admission tickets for this year’s Cowal Gathering will go on sale on Thursday 16th February at 12 noon (uk time). As in previous years payments will be processed via Paypal for the security of your payment details, however, you do not need to have a...
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