Hunters Quay: A Journey

There is a full programme of Highland Games across Scotland throughout the summer season.
 
The Cowal Highland Gathering, this annual event of Dunoon, is always staged on the last Friday and Saturday of August and is the single greatest visitor attraction which Cowal possesses. Indeed, they are Scotland’s largest Highland Games and are renowned throughout the world with competitors and visitors attending from many different countries. This is a two day event with the Friday centering around Highland Dancing.  

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, make sure you fit it in one of the famous Highland Gathering that take place across the country. Based on ancient clan traditions, the games celebrate all things Scottish, so expect piping and dancing as well as the “heavy events”, which include hammer throwing and caber tossing.

The origins of the Bute Games go back to 1947, and the fact that the prime movers behind the first games were members of the shinty club made the choice of John MacKenzie, chairman of the Camanachd Association, as Honorary Chieftain, fitting indeed  
   

  
                                 Cowal Highland Games (Two days event with the Friday centering around Highland Dancing. 

   
                                                             Dunoon during the Cowal Games.
From early in the morning (on the Saturday), extra ferry services, packed to capacity, are bringing a constant throng of visitors to the town.
Locals and visitors, lining town centre in Dunoon in the morning hoping to see bands en route to the stadium. However, bands don’t always march up, as this would depend on the weather and competition times. Also bands are reluctant to march prior to competing because it could jeopardize their performance.

 
                                               looking to the past. Pictures of the Cowal Games 1987

   
                                                                                      Cowal Games 1987

   
           Highland Dancers as always, popular with spectactors                                                      Dunoon Highland Gathering

  

                                                             The events inside the stadium are spectacular. 

       

  

                                                               The Cowal Highland Gathering… Dunoon      

                                  The ‘march past’ of the pipe bands is certainly the most colourful 
                                  and awe inspiring processions of its kind in the world.

  

                            Argyll Street is the setting for the stunning ‘parade of the “best in the world” pipers’.


  

                                                               The Cowal Highland Gathering… Dunoon


  

                                                               The Cowal Highland Gathering… Dunoon


   

                                Flow of people at night, resulting in an exciting evening march past.


  

  

  

Locals and visitors turned up in their thousands to the games. Everyone seemed to be smiling, there was plenty to do and see with no shortage of entertainment for the crowds.


  

  


 
People are everywhere, laughing and joking, just enjoying time with family and friends. (lets not loose that interaction in favour of mindless television).

  

  

                    Pipe bands march through Argyll Street "Dunoon", up in the morning and down at night.





   

  

 

                                                     Pipe bands march through the town centre in Dunoon.

  

  

  




  


  

  

      


  





  


              


                                                                                                                                       Kirn Gala

                                                                 
   
A massive display of fireworks closes the day, and brings a fitting end to a marvellous and exciting weekend.