The Cowal Gathering: The World’s Largest Highland Games

The Cowal Gathering (or the Cowal Games) is a magnificent celebration of Scottish culture. These celebrations come in the form of competitive drumming, dancing, bagpiping and Scottish heavy athletics. Each year, The Cowal Gathering attracts over 3,500 competitors! It makes for a wonderful few days of enjoying all things Scottish - a great day out for wee ones and adults alike. 

Even if heavily competition-focused, the Cowal Games have a range of other events happening simultaneously - including live music…

We are super excited to announce that we are going to be sponsoring the live music tent at this year's Cowal games! 

Live Music

This year, playing at The Cowal Gathering is a lineup of incredibly talented musicians who keep Scotland close to their hearts. The lineup includes Beinn Lee who are a six-piece band from Ulst in the Outer Hebrides, they will be joined by traditional band Rhuvaal and folk band Trávee - catch them in the Cowal Music Tent.

Competitions

It wouldn’t be the Highland Games without a little bit of competition now, would it? Marvel at the traditional Scottish athletic events including tossing the caber and shot-putting the famous 34lbs-Cowal Stone! The Cowal Gathering will also play host to a flurry of talented bagpipers and dancers. From solo bagpiping competitions to traditional ceilidh dancing competitions, this event is bustling with talent and entertainment.

Where to Stay

The Cowal Gathering welcomes 23,000 people every year, so nearby places to stay can soon get booked up. Lucky for you, here at Argyll Holidays we have a number of holiday parks both in and close to Dunoon and an even wider variety of accommodation.

Hunters Quay

Being in Dunoon, Hunters Quay is our closest holiday park to the annual Cowal Gathering. Now at Hunters Quay, we have a range of outdoor activities including archery and axe throwing, a great way to keep the family busy throughout the weekend. Whether you're seeking a caravan, cabin or hot tub lodge, check availability and book now as it's in high demand for the Cowal Gathering weekend.

We have space at our Premier Caravans, Rowan Plus Lodges and Rowan Hot Tub Lodges. We have little avaliability left so make sure to book your holiday quickly! Make a break of it with these amazing deals on 7 night stays at Hunters Quay.

Drimsynie Estate Holiday Village

A little further afield, Drimsynie Estate is only a 50-minute drive from the action - an incredibly scenic drive too! There’s a huge choice of accommodation to suit your party, from luxurious hotel rooms to spacious hot tub lodges and fantastic value caravans. You can also enjoy some first-class on-site facilities, including a spa, gym, golf course, pool, funhouse and many outdoor activities to keep you busy throughout your holiday. Drimsynie now has outdoor pursuits through Go Cove. Some of these outdoor activities include paddleboarding, canoeing, and abseiling. Great if you want to get stuck into some outdoor adventure during your stay. 

Stratheck Holiday Park

Stratheck holiday park is set in a stunning mountainside location, just a short distance from Dunoon where the Cowal Gathering is being held. Here we have a wide range of accommodations including hot tub lodges, great-value caravans, and luxury cottages. As well as this we also have a great range of things to do on-site including walks in the outdoors, fishing, and mountain biking. Great if you want to explore what is around you throughout your stay. 

If you want to celebrate all things Scottish, get yourself to Dunoon this summer to experience a wealth of Scottish traditions and culture, and be a part of the world’s largest Highland Games.