Celebrate with us the 120th anniversary of the most spectacular Highland games in the world!
The Cowal Highland Gathering is renowned for its unique atmosphere, world-class competitors, beautiful Highland location and spine-tingling salute to the Chieftain.
With a mix of Highland dancing, pipe bands, traditional wrestling, heavy athletics, ceilidh music, children’s entertainment and local food – it is no surprise the Cowal
Highland Gathering is established as one of Scotland’s premiere family fun events.
Cowal Highland Gathering Key Facts
Established 1894
Europe’s biggest Highland Gathering - attracted just over 17,000 spectators and 4,000 participants to last year’s event.
Always held in Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland – the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in August.
Home to the World Highland Dancing Championship - the most prestigious competition in Highland dancing. Competitors from across the globe compete to
be world's best. Also includes the Scottish Highland Dancing Championship.
Held the first ever pipe band championship in the world in 1906. Now hosts the coveted Cowal Pipe Band Championship.
Heavy Athletics and Wrestling - including shot put, hammer throwing and the iconic tossing the caber.
Children's Entertainment - a unique blend of fun for all ages. From the traditional to latest gaming technology. Live shows and 'have a go' sporting activities.
Many attractions provided by friends of the Cowal Highland Gathering, including the Daily Record, Glasgow Science Centre and Cricket Scotland.
The famous Cowal Ceilidh Tent - featuring the best performers in the ceilidh and traditional music circuit
New for 2014: Cowal Performance Arena, starring 'The Clan' - Scotland's premier Cycle Stunt Team plus much more.
Cowal Hill Race - a challenging course that includes the scaling of local landmark the 'Camel's Hump', before racing to the finishing line in the stadium.
170,000 pre-event promotional leaflets distributed throughout West Central Scotland.
Cowal Gathering website (www.cowalgathering.com) averages 1,000 unique visits per month, peaking at around 18,307
unique visits from 72 different countries during August.
A live webcast of the Highland Dancing events in 2013 was viewed over 23,000 times.
Over 118,000 people interacted with the Gathering's Facebook site during last year's event.
Cowal Highland Gathering was the runner up in the National Outdoor Events Association's Best Event in Scotland Award - 2012.
Cowal Highland Gathering generates £1.9 million for the Scottish economy.
Cowal Highland Gathering – most spectacular Highland games in the world!