World Highland Dancing Championship

By Chris Martin 13:32 PM, 10 Sep 2026

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Widely celebrated as one of Scotland’s great days out, Cowal Gathering 2026 more than lived up to its legendary reputation and, for once, the weather behaved and delivered a scorching day of Highland games drama and entertainment.

But all eyes were on the dancing stages on Saturday as competitors from the UK, Australia, Canada and the USA battled for international glory in the World Highland Dancing Championship Finals – the largest competition of its kind anywhere in the world.

And while two new world champions were crowned, one familiar face remained at the top.

Nova Scotia’s Marielle Lesperance successfully defended her World Adult Championship, once again finishing ahead of Aberdeen’s Rebecca Thow, who took second place for the second year running.

Helensburgh’s Eilidh Gammons, who successfully defended the World Junior title in 2025, stepped up to the adult category this year and marked the move with an impressive third-place finish.

Lesperance was also named Best Overseas Adult Dancer, lifting the Mary McHarg Quaich, while Thow was crowned Best Scottish Adult Dancer.

There were new names at the top of the podium in the younger age groups.

Sadie Love from Alberta was crowned World Juvenile Champion, ahead of Glenrothes dancer Serena Bianconcini in second and Campbeltown’s Korri McMillan in third.

Bianconcini’s performance earned her the title of Best Scottish Juvenile Dancer, while new world champion Love was also named Best Overseas Juvenile Dancer.

Scotland celebrated a home victory in the Junior Championship, where Scone’s Connie Urquhart took the world title.

Lucy Paton from Cupar finished runner-up, while Queensland’s Ellie Murgha – runner-up in the Juvenile World Championship last year – took third place after moving up to the junior ranks.

Urquhart was also named Best Scottish Junior Dancer, with Murgha taking the award for Best Overseas Junior Dancer.

Earlier in the Gathering, there was plenty of Argyll and Bute success to celebrate in the Argyllshire Highland Dancing Competitions.

Campbeltown dancers took the top two younger Premier titles, with Cara McKinven winning the seven and under 12 category and Abigail McAllister taking the 12-13 title.

There was a home victory for Dunoon in the 14-15 Premier category, where Amelia May Smith took top spot.

Helensburgh’s Grace McGrath won the 16-17 competition, while fellow Helensburgh dancer Isla Flint claimed the 18 and over title.

The dancing provided a fitting finale to another packed Cowal Gathering, as thousands of spectators watched competitors from home and abroad battle for some of the most prestigious titles in Highland dancing.