Cowal Highland Gathering facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cowal Highland Gathering |
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Pipe bands filing into the stadium for the salute to the Chieftain and the award announcements at the 2008 event
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| Dates | Final weekend in August annually |
| Location(s) | Dunoon, Cowal |
| Country | Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Years active | 1894 – present |
The Cowal Highland Gathering, also called the Cowal Games, is a big yearly event in Dunoon, Scotland. It's a type of Highland games that happens every year on the last weekend of August. You can find it at Dunoon Stadium.
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History of the Cowal Games
People first started organizing Highland games in Dunoon around 1871. This was the same year the Argyllshire Gathering began in Oban. Later, games were also held at New Year. Many people across Scotland became interested in Highland sports. This was partly because Queen Victoria loved Scotland so much.
The event we now know as the Cowal Gathering first took place on August 11, 1894. A local man named Robert Cameron helped organize it.
In 1906, a new competition for pipe bands from the Army was added. This idea came from Malcolm McCulloch. By 1909, twenty-five bands joined in. This was the first time that civilian bands were allowed to compete. The Argyll Shield is a special prize given to the winning band in the top competition. Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, gave this shield in 1906, and it's still awarded today.
It was easy to get to Dunoon by paddle steamer from Glasgow. This helped the games become very popular. The Cowal Games were even shown on early BBC television broadcasts.
The global COVID-19 pandemic caused the Cowal Highland Gathering to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021. Usually, more than 1500 people compete each year. The cancellations happened because of travel rules for people from other countries. There were also health worries. Instead, a "virtual gathering" was held online in both 2020 and 2021.
Events at the Gathering
The Cowal Highland Gathering has many exciting competitions. These include pipe band music, solo bagpiping, Highland dancing, and traditional sports.
Pipe Band Competition
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The pipe band competition at Cowal used to be very important. It was the last big competition of the season. The "Champion of Champions" title was often decided here. This title went to the band with the best overall performance in all the major competitions. Before the World Pipe Band Championships started in Glasgow in 1947, Cowal was seen as the most important pipe band competition.
After 2013, Cowal changed its status as a major competition. This was due to talks between the Gathering Committee and the RSPBA. It became difficult to fit all the bands. The pipe band competition still happens, but with fewer bands competing.
Solo Bagpipe Competition
Solo pipers also compete at the Cowal Games. They play different types of music. These include pibroch, which is a long, classical form of bagpipe music. They also play marches, strathspeys, and reels. There are competitions for all ages and skill levels. This includes younger players and local pipers.
Highland Dancing Championships
The Cowal Games host several important Highland dancing events. These include the Scottish National Highland Dancing Championships. This competition is only for dancers who live in Scotland. There are also the Scottish (open) Highland Dancing Championships. The qualifiers and finals for the World Championships are held here too.
The qualifying rounds happen on Thursday. Dancers aged 12 and older compete in the Scottish (open) Championships at the same time. The top 20 dancers from each age group move on to the World Championships. These age groups are Juvenile (12–15 years), Junior (16–17 years), and Adult (18+ years). For the 12-15 age group, a certain number of dancers are chosen from each year to make sure it's fair. Older dancers are chosen from two heats. The top ten from each heat get to dance on Saturday for the World Championship title. Dancers under 12 do not have qualifiers. Their Scottish (open) Championships are where they can win the World Champion title.
The Scottish National Championships are held on Friday. Most of these competitions are for single age groups. However, there are also groups for 7–8 years, 18–20 years, and 21+ years.
On Saturday morning, local Argyllshire championships take place. There are also pre-premier competitions for less experienced dancers. After these, the main World Championship Finals begin.
Sports Competitions
The Cowal Games feature many traditional Highland sports. These are part of an international competition. Athletes compete in events like the shot put, caber toss, and weight throw. They also do the weight over bar and hammer throw. For the shot put, they use a standard 16-pound shot. They also use a natural 34-pound stone called the Cowal Stone.
There is also a 5-kilometre fun run. A challenging hill race goes from the stadium to the top of Tom Odhar and back. Since 2007, there has been a Scottish backhold wrestling competition as well.
