ALMOST as if the weather at this year’s Sunset Ceremony was a precursor of what was to come on Saturday, the rain still failed to stop the traditional opening ceremony of the Cowal Highland Gathering on Thursday night.
The historical event has always been a special evening on the local event calendar, and this year was no different.
Yes, the rain might have poured relentlessly over everyone in attendance, but that’s not something unusual for this time of year in Dunoon and folk adapt and continue like they always do in these parts.
From the first notes of the pipe bands echoing through Argyll Gardens, it was clear the evening was going to be something special even if everyone in the crowd was quickly soaked through.
The event, which blends the heritage of Cowal with a showcase of fresh local talent, has long been a highlight of Gathering week. This year was no exception. Rising stars Maddy McKean and Deacon Gault impressed with their confident performances, while the Christina Cairns Dancers lifted spirits with their always-popular routines, danced with a brightness that shone even against the darkening grey skies.
A particularly poignant moment came with the tribute to Pipe Major John McLellan DCM, whose music has become woven into the cultural fabric of Cowal. Hearing his work performed in such a setting, with the rain, felt deeply moving.
Despite the weather, families huddled under umbrellas, neighbours shared flasks of tea. Soaked to the skin, yes but thats part and parcel of the gathering weekend.
Earlier in the week another much loved fringe event, Kirn Gala took place in the grounds of Dunoon Grammar School with Dunoon Grammar School Pipe Band opening and closing the event.
There was a raft of entertainment provided within the school as a host of acts took to the stage including performances by Liam Somerville, Tina Cairns Highland Dancers, Cowal Fitness & Dance, Miina Jackson, Deacon Gault, Lily Davies, Abigail Ledsome, Keira Gillon and a selection of solo pipers and drummer.
The Gala began at 6pm and ran to almost 9pm, with dozens of stalls selling a wide variety of goods and products set up within the schools assembly hall.
In the past this much loved event has stuttered and stalled suffering a series of yearly cancellations, following the success of Wednesday night it’s hoped that Kirn Gala can continue at Dunoon Grammar School for the foreseeable.
