DUNOON is preparing for one of the biggest weekends in its calendar as Cowal Gathering returns next week – bringing three days of live music, world championship competition and family entertainment to the town.
From Thursday, August 27 to Saturday, August 29, the Gathering will once again put Dunoon firmly in the spotlight, with a packed programme culminating in Saturday’s main event and the traditional evening parade through the town.
And there are some big names on this year’s bill, with Tide Lines headlining the Cowal Music Tent on Saturday, while Heron Valley lead the line-up on Friday, joined by Rhuvaal and Ross Miller and Band.
Saturday, as always, will see tradition and entertainment come together for the main Gathering day.
Some of the most prestigious events on the programme will return, including the World Highland Dancing Championship and International Heavy Athletics Championship.
Piping will, of course, be at the heart of the day too, with this year’s event marking the 120th Cowal Pipe Band Championship.
There is also a substantial family programme planned for Saturday.
Visitors can try their hand at axe throwing and take on the Muckmedden bike track.
The Scottish Fire Brigades Heritage Trust and Wings of Wilderness will also be among the attractions, with organisers promising even more family entertainment throughout the day.
And when the action at the Gathering grounds draws to a close, the celebrations will spill back into Dunoon for the much-loved evening parade through the town.
For generations, Gathering weekend has transformed Dunoon as competitors, performers and spectators descend on Cowal for one of Scotland’s best-known Highland games events.
Tickets for this year’s events are available from the Cowal Gathering website, cowalgathering.com/get-tickets.
