I am pleased to confirm that the entry forms for this year’s solo piping competitions will be available on www.cowalgathering.com from 12 noon (BST) on Monday 26th April.

I can also confirm that the C grade competition, which was successfully introduced in 2009, will once again be part of the 2010 Gathering.

The closing date for entries has been set for the 1st July and absolutely no entries will be accepted after this date.

We look forward to receiving your entries and seeing at Cowal in August.

regards

Malcolm

I would like to wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

It may only be the first week in January but plans for this year’s Cowal Gathering are already at an advanced stage and i thought it it would be appropriate to update everyone on some important dates.

Seating and admission tickets will go on sale via the website in mid February, with the dancing entries going online in mid March. The solo piping forms will be available via the website in mid April. The exact dates will be confirmed nearer the time in a blog and on the website.

More blogs will follow confirming all important dates and deadlines and updating you with what you can expect to see at this year’s Cowal Highland Gathering.

I hope to see you at Cowal in August.

Malcolm

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!