Hotels near the Cowal Highland Gathering

The Cowal Highland Gathering, one of most spectacular Highland Games, was first held in 1894. Spilling over onto three days at Dunoon Stadium, the event attracts around 3000 competitors for such unique events as putting the 32lb Cowal Stone.

Crowds of over 20,000 watch Cowal's World Highland Dancing Championships and also the Cowal Pipe Band Championships with over 150 bands competing.

The "heavy" events - shot-putting, hammer-throwing and caber-tossing - feature large men in tartan sweating profusely as they hurl large objects as far as they can. Unique to these games, the putting of the Cowal Stone uses the stone found by the Gathering's Convenor after many years combing the beaches of the Clyde.

For sporting teams there is a five-a-side tug-of-war competition and also shinty matches.