August 8th, 2009
We are delighted that once again the Cowal 5k race will take place on the Thursday of the week of Cowal (27th August).
Now a well established component of the GAthering we are hoping for a record number of entrants this year. As usual the race will begin by the Yachtsman cafe at 19.15 and the route will take you along the river Clyde towards Innellan before you double back to finish back at the Yachtsman.
There is a trophy for the overall winner and the first local home will receive the “Willie Jukes Memorial Trophy”. All finishers will also receive a medal in recognition of their feat.
Registration forms are available from the Gathering Office on 01369 703206 or by visiting www.cowalgathering.com and download the form from the other events page.
We hope you will come along and take part. 
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July 14th, 2009
COWAL CEILIDH TENT 2009
The Ceilidh Tent although only in its third year is now a well established feature of the Saturday at Cowal and will be for the foreseeable future thanks to secured sponsorship from McArthur Property Services.
Thanks to generous support by two local businesses, Argyll Holidays and Cowal Building and Plumbing Supplies Ltd (who also own Loch Lomond Garden Centre) we have managed to secure two top line acts for this year – so yet again the Cowal Ceilidh Tent gets bigger and better!
Come along and enjoy some refreshments in the Ceilidh Tent Bar while enjoying performances throughout the afternoon from:
1200 HRS KINLOCH CEILIDH BAND
Featuring Archie and Alex McAllister this well known west coast ceilidh band are certain to get people on their feet from the start. A great way to kick start an afternoon of exceptional entertainment
1300 HRS TIRIODH
Keeping with the Cowal Ceilidh Tent tradition of showcasing new upcoming bands; we are delighted to welcome Tiriodh – a young teenage ceilidh band based in Fife comprising cousins – Scot Wilson and Craig McNicol, and their younger brothers Niall Wilson and Ross McNicol. They already have a considerable track record individually in the traditional music scene so come along and give them a real Cowal welcome!
1400 HRS GARETH MITCHELSON
Last year’s dance slot was a welcome addition to the Ceilidh Tent so this year we will continue with the trend. This will be a spectacle not to be missed! Former World Highland Dancing Champion from the 1980’s, Gareth Mitchelson, will attempt a Guinness Book of Records attempt at performing a 50 Step Highland Fling! This is a real chance to put both Gareth and Cowal in the record books so come along and give him your support. Gareth has been working up to this world record attempt during fundraising efforts to raise awareness of Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy a disorder suffered by his four year old son Logan, whilst also raising funds for Action Duchennes a charity that is actively seeking a cure for this devastating illness.
1415 HRS SKERRYVORE
Described as the “the boy band of traditional Scottish Music Skerryvore’s mix of traditional ceilidh instruments with guitar, bass and drums guarantees to provide an exciting spectacle every time. With the added attraction of their brass section this Cowal performance will be explosive and the Ceilidh Tent will undoubtedly be the place to be. Showcasing some of their new material this will be a chance to hear tracks from their new album before they jet off to their next engagement in Beijing!
1600 HRS RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS
Last year’s performance was irrefutably “red hot” and the crowd reaction spoke for itself as the Cowal Ceilidh Tent rocked to the high energy performance given by the Chilli’s. From the spectacular Drum Duo to their rendition of Highland Cathedral the Cowal crowd loved every single minute. Last year saw the impromptu inclusion of the Red Hot Chilli Dancers………who wowed the crowd with their dazzling costumes and spectacular dance routines. Will we see a return of this Red Hot Dance troupe? You’ll have to come along and see……….
DON’T HEAR ABOUT IT AFTER THE EVENT – BE THERE!
Tags: Ceilidh Tent, Cowal Highland Gathering, Gareth Mitchelson, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, SkerryVore
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July 8th, 2009
I am delighted to confirm that the dancing draw for this year’s Gathering has now taken place.
As publicised at the beginning of the year the dancing order was decided by a random computerised draw. This draw was independently witnessed by Christine Lacey, Chair of the SOBHD, and Helen Ford, Administration Manager of the SOBHD. I would like to thank Christine and Helen for coming to Dunoon to observe the draw taking place.
The competitor packs are currently being put together and should be posted out in the next few days. So you can all look forward to your dancing numbers landing on your front mat very shortly.
Regards
Malcolm Barclay
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June 30th, 2009
Just a reminder that the closing date
for the solo piping and dancing competitions is Wednesday 1st July at 11.59pm. At this time the forms will be removed from the website and it will no longer be possible to enter these events.
Please note that late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances. Competitor numbers and passes will be sent out during july.
Regards
Malcolm
Tags: closing date, scottish highland dancing, solo piping
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May 27th, 2009
I am delighted to announce the launch of this year’s patrons’ packages which have been revamped as a result of the feedback we sought during last year’s Gathering.
The Patrons’ packages are designed to allow individuals and businesses/ groups to make a contribution towards the cost of staging a world class event such as Cowal and to receive certain benefits in return e.g. admission tickets to the event and a quiet, pleasent place to relax away from the crowds whilst maintaining.
It offers the opportunity to not only be associated with the Gathering but also to feel pride in the knowledge that your contribution is going someway to securing the future and allowing for the growth and expansion of this unique highland gathering.
The details of the packages are;
LIFE PATRON
Life patronage is offered to supporters of Cowal who wish to make a generous donation to be used in the furtherance of the Gathering and improvements to the facilities offered to visitors and competitors.
Cost: £200 + £30 annual subscription (to cover ongoing costs of postage, tickets, programmes etc)
Benefits:
- Complimentary ticket for each day
- Enamel Cowal Lapel Badge (1st year only)
- Complimentary programme
- Life Patrons Certificate
- Access to the newly resited and enhanced Patrons Marquee which now offers a view of the main arena
- Ability to pre book one seat in the grandstand for saturday
- listing in programme and on website
BUSINESS PATRON
This package is for businesses and groups who wish to support the event whilst benefitting from the added exposure that being involved with the Gathering can bring.
Cost: £150 per annum
Benefits:
- Certificate
- Listing in programme and on the website
- listing on sponsors board at the stadium
- 4 admission tickets for Friday and Saturday
- complimentary programme
- Access to the newly resited and enhanced Patrons Marquee which now offers a view of the main arena
- A complimentary glass of wine on arrival in patrons marquee (on redemption of voucher)
PATRON
The patron package is the basic package for those who wish to support the event and enjoy the comfort of the patron’s tent.
Cost: £20 per annum
Benefit:
- Complimentary admission ticket for Friday and Saturday
- Patrons Rosette
- Access to the newly resited and enhanced Patrons Marquee which now offers a view of the main arena
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April 30th, 2009
I am delighted to confirm that the Argyll Food Producers will be at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering and will be providing the all important food court.
Argyll Food Producers are a collaboration of high quality food producers from Argyll. From their outlets in the food court they will be serving a range of freshly prepared, locally sourced quality dishes that will include seafood from Loch Fyne Oysters, Venison dishes from Winston Churchill Venison, beef and lamb dishes from Barbreck Farms and Taste of Bute as well as the most sensational puddings from Bumble’s puddings. Kingscross Herbs, Inverloch Cheese and Eden Deli will also be in attendence with their own fantastic ranges of food.
The group won rave reviews for the quality of their food at last year’s Connect Festival amongst others and I am delighted to have them at Cowal this year, as I am sure, you will be once you have sampled their produce.
The only problem is deciding what to have!!!!!!!
Tags: Argyll Food Producers, Barbreck Farms, Connect Festival, Eden Deli, Inverloch Cheese, Kingscross Herbs, Loch Fyne Oysters, Taste of Bute, Winston Churchill Venison
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April 22nd, 2009
Were you lucky enough to be part of the Ceilidh tent last year?
If so you will know that it rocked – the Red Hot Chilli Pipers put on a dazzlingdisplay of piping and drumming – with special guest appearance by the Red Hot Chilli Dancers. Back by popular demand – the Chilli’s will once again be our headline act in 2009.
However this year we also have the fabulous Skerryvore who have promised to bring along their brass section – and this will be a foot-tapping session not to be missed. We will also be showcasing young talent – so look forward to the two sets of cousins who make up Tiriodh.
Archie McAllister is putting a band together to get the Ceilidh tent off to a flying start – so updates will follow as Archie announces his line-up.
This year the Ceilidh Tent will undoubtedly be the place to be – from 12 noon right up to the massing of the bands at the end of the day. Unbeatable value for money – Event tickets are now on sale at a pre-event price of £10 – so don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to see these top acts while visiting the 2009 Cowal Gathering.
Tickets available from www.cowalgathering.com
Tags: Archie McAllister, Ceilidh Tent, Cowal Gathering, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, SkerryVore, Tiriodh
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April 14th, 2009
Cowal offers a great day out for the whole family. Newly introduced for 2009 is the children’s entertainment marquee. Look out for the striped tent on the hill where the kids will be entertained through out the day with clowns, face painting and balloon modelling. Show times to be announced but will run regularly throughout the afternoon.
Thanks are due to Inveraray Jail whose sponsorship has allowed us to introduce this added attraction – much of which will be offered free to those attending.
Tags: childrens entertainment, clowns, inveraray jail
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April 9th, 2009
Welcome to the Cowal Gathering’s first blog….. Wow are we moving into the 21st century or what.
Plans for this year’s event are really moving forward!
Dancing entries are coming in thick and fast and the move to a random draw for the dancing order seems to have been very well accepted. It is a much fairer way for the order to be decided and means that those who could not be online when it goes live are not disadvantaged,
It also means our overseas competitors no longer have to get up in the middle of the night to enter. I always felt so sorry for the Canadian and American dancers who got up at 4am to submit their form. Now it is only us in the office that need to lose sleep over the entry process.
Solo Piping entries will go live on the 20th April and i am really pleased to confirm there will be a c grade competition for the seniors this year. Although there are only 20 places available and they will go to the first 20 to enter. So dont wait to enter get your form in as soon as they go live.
Much more news to come but i dont want to over load everyone in my first blog..
Please come back for regular updates.
Tags: Cowal Gathering, Highland Dancing, solo piping
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fantastic news for all you solo pipers out there!!