Festival Calendar UK

Cowal Gathering

Scotland

Overview

The Cowal Gathering is renowned as the largest and most spectacular Highland games in the world. First launched in 1894, this historic event showcases a remarkable display of traditional Scottish culture with world-class competitions in piping, dancing, and athletics. Each year, approximately 23,000 attendees are drawn to its vibrant atmosphere, set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands. The festival also features a diverse array of family-friendly activities, from ceilidh music to a dynamic performance arena, ensuring that every visitor experiences a slice of Scottish heritage and entertainment. Whether you're there to compete, celebrate, or simply soak in the scenic views, the Cowal Gathering promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Categories

Tags

Location

Cowal Gathering takes place at Dunoon Stadium, Argyll Rd, Kirn, Dunoon, PA23 7RL.

See their dedicated Getting Here page for travel info.

Tickets

Basic Price Range: £5 (Child Day Ticket) - £47.50 (Adult Saturday + GIG)

All tickets are non refundable, once purchased they cannot be returned for any reason.

Options include:

  • Day tickets from the Thursday to Sunday
  • Adult Entry Ticket
  • Child (5-15 years) Entry Ticket

Upgrades and Extras:

  • Enclosure - Allocated Seat All Day
  • Grandstand Morning - Allocated Seat
  • Grandstand Afternoon - Allocated Seat
  • East Stand Morning - Allocated Seat
  • East Stand Afternoon - Allocated Seat
  • GIG - Friday Evening
  • GIG - Saturday Entry and GIG Package

Programme:

An event programme is available at the Gathering (£5). Here, however, is a brief outline of events (found on the tickets page) to help you plan:

  • Thursday:
    • Scottish Open Highland Dancing Championships
    • Qualifiers for the World Highland Dancing Championships
  • Friday:
    • Scottish National Highland Dancing Championships
    • Juvenile Solo Piping Competition
    • Gig at the Gathering, 7pm to 11pm, a stand alone music event held in the Music Tent
  • Saturday:
    • Pre-Premier & Argyllshire Highland Dancing competitions
    • Finals of the World Highland Dancing Championships
    • Cowal Pipe Band Championship
    • Heavy Athletics & Traditional Wrestling
    • Family entertainment in the Music Tent in the afternoon.
    • Gig at the Gathering

Accommodation

Cowal Gathering is NOT a camping festival, please make your own accommodation plans. For hotel accommodation locally check out: Visit Scotland and Wild About Argyll.

Parking:

  • Parking is limited in the area, so please plan ahead.
  • On the Saturday there is no parking in the area, although Dunoon Grammar school often provide parking spaces.
  • Disabled parking is limited.

Food & Drink:

  • There is a range of food vendors onsite.
  • You cannot bring alcohol into the venue.
  • Picnic, yes!
  • BBQ's, no!

Dog-Friendly:

  • Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
  • Dogs must be supervised by an adult at all times.
  • Note, the stadium is a extremely busy and noisy.
  • Only lapdogs are allowed in the seating stands.

Accessibility

The Cowal Gathering site is accessible for wheelchair users, featuring a tarmac road that encircles the venue. While there is a steep section, Gathering staff and stewards are always available to assist as needed. Many attractions are located on grassy areas which are generally flat, although they may become boggy in case of heavy rain.

For any specific accessibility inquiries or additional assistance, email Cowal Gathering or call their office on 01369 703206.