Cowal cancelled; virtual event planned

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For the second year running, Cowal Highland Gathering (CHG) has been cancelled.

The Board met today and took the decision in light of the continuing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

CHG chairman, Ronnie Cairns said: “This was the announcement no-one wanted to make, but in order to protect the safety of competitors, visitors and the local community, as well as protecting the future of this world-famous event.” He said the decision was ‘inevitable’.

“With uncertainties over both national and international travel coupled with, as yet unknown restrictions around social distancing, it became clear the Gathering as we know it wouldn’t be able to go ahead,” he added.

As per the case last year, however, an online event is planned. Mr Cairns said: “While we can’t gather in person this year, we will be gathering again online as Cowal Highland Gathering moves back into its virtual space with Cowal’s Virtual Gathering.”

Cowal 1996 and Robert Mathieson of Shotts accepts the Argyll Shield on behalf of his band, Shotts, who won the Grade 1 competition that year..

Tickets already purchased for this year’s event will be valid for 2022, but if anyone has any questions please contact the CHG office at info@cowalgathering.com

This is only the second time the 127-year-old event has been cancelled, apart from the war years, with the 2020 event also cancelled due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The 2022 Cowal Highland Gathering will return to Dunoon Stadium from August 25-27 August.