The countdown to Cowal gathering is underway

The countdown has finally begun for this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering.

With just four months to go until thousands of competitors and spectators descend on Dunoon, organisers have launched a new video showcasing the event’s fierce competition, music and entertainment.

Due to take place from 23-25 August, preparation for the Cowal Highland Gathering is well underway. This year spectators can expect to see an array of traditional bands at Friday night’s ‘Gig at the Gathering’ and at the Ceilidh Tent the following day.

The Gig at the Gathering has proved immensely popular since its introduction, selling out year on year. Headlining this year’s concert will be Trail West, with support acts Beinn Lee and The American Rogues.

The ceilidh tent will boast just as much talent, seeing Heron Valley and Tide Lines returning to the stage – they are back by popular demand having impressed last year’s audience.

With plenty competition to look forward to, the Highland Dancing Cowal trophy is set to be one of the highlights. A record number of dancers travelled from all over the world to compete at Dunoon last year, with the Gathering hosting both the Scottish and the World Highland Dancing Championships. Dancing entries are now open on the CHG website.

Spectators can also look forward to seeing traditional wrestling events, as well as the only international heavy athletics contest in Scotland, which attracts athletes from the likes of Iceland and Germany.

Of course, no Highland Gathering would be complete without piping – bands and solo pipers will be battling it out to be crowned Cowal champions.

Ronnie Cairns, Cowal Highland Gathering chair, says: ‘We’re delighted with how the preparations have been going, and we’ll be using the four months we have left to fine-tune what I’m sure will be another fantastic Gathering weekend.’

To see the new Cowal Highland Gathering video, visit www.cowalgathering.com.