THE COWAL Highland Gathering has been awarded £30,000 from Argyll and Bute Council’s Strategic Events and Festivals Fund, providing a significant boost to Dunoon’s most famous cultural event.
The funding, approved earlier this month, aims to support the continued growth of the Gathering and reinforce its position as a key contributor to the local economy.
At a meeting of the council’s Policy and Resources Committee on Thursday, February 20, councillors were
recommended to approve the grant allocations. The SEF Fund plays a crucial role in sustaining and expanding major events across Argyll and Bute, with a particular focus on attracting visitors and delivering economic benefits to the region.
Executive director Kirsty Flanagan said in a report: “The overarching aim of the strategic events and festivals (SEF) fund is to support event organisers to enhance and grow their events with the result that more visitors are attracted to Argyll and Bute, providing substantial economic benefit. It is
recognised that the strategic events and festivals sector is still facing challenging circumstances brought about as a result of changes in individuals’ habits and the cost-of-living crisis.
“This has put a strain on the financial stability of many of the organisations, however the outlook is improving, and the council’s SEF fund continues to be of strategic importance to the events industry in Argyll and Bute. The fund provides critical support in the economic recovery of the area and will hopefully allow events to continue to grow and
may prevent organisations and events from ceasing to operate.”
David Mitchell, Chair of Cowal Gathering, welcomed the funding, expressing gratitude for the council’s recognition of the event’s significance.
He said: “We are delighted to receive £30,000 from the Council’s Strategic Events and Festivals Fund. We are grateful the council recognises the importance of the Gathering to not only Cowal, but the wider Argyll and Bute community. We look forward to competitors from around the world
returning to Dunoon Stadium on the last weekend in August, to compete in the World Highland Dancing Championships, Cowal Pipe Band Championship – the world’s oldest pipe band championship and the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship, which is Scotland’s only international heavy athletics championship.”
He added: “Partnership working is essential to Cowal Gathering and our partnership with Argyll and Bute Council highlights the importance of working togethertofostercommunity
engagement, tourism and local economic growth, ensuring Cowal Gathering remains a central fixture on Scotland’s cultural calendar for generations to come.’
The Cowal Highland Gathering, is one of the largest and most renowned Highland games in the world an event which draws thousands of visitors each year and provides a significant boost to the local economy.
