So much to see and do you will be spoilt for choice
Cowal attracts more than 3500 competitors - many from Scottish Communities-in-exile as far flung as British Columbia (Canada), Australia and New Zealand. It also attracts in the region of 23,000 visitors over the three days, many of whom return year after year for the unique Cowal atmosphere.
With its mix of Highland Dancing, pipe bands, wrestling, heavy athletics, solo piping, the ceilidh tent, a childrens tent and quality food from the best of local producers there really is something for everyone.
If you have never visited before and can only manage one day, the Saturday is the day to come. Watch the top highland dancers in the world compete in the finals of the world highland dancing championships, whilst nearby the 130 pipe bands compete in the Cowal pipe band championships.
Around midday the heavy athletics (sponsored by Corona Extra) get under way with the best of our homegrown scottish competitors toughing it out against some of the best athletes from europe. This year can 6' 10" Tommy De Bruin, the giant Belgian Champion, beat Jason Young the current Cowal Champion.
Not far from the heavy arena you will find the wrestlers, who this year will include competitors from France and finland as well as our Scottish and English competitors. Once again the fate fo the Scottish Championship at 15st 7lbs will be decided at Cowal.
Up on the hill stands the very popular Ceilidh tent (sponsored by McArthur Property Group) which will start at midday with Archie and Alex McAllister, always guaranteed to get things going. Around 2pm Gareth Mitchelson, a past world highland dancing champion and stalwart of the gathering, will be attempting a 50 step fling, something which has never been done before. Gareth is doing this in order to raise awareness of a rare medical condition which his 4 year old son, Logan, suffers from. He also hopes to raise money for charity in the hope of making Logans life more bearable.
Gareth will be followed on stage by Skerryvore who will whip the crowd up into a frenzy of excitement with their brand of traditional ceilidh music featuring guitars and a brass section to compliment the traditional ceilidh band instruments.
Last up in the Ceilidh tent, we are delighted to welcome back the undoubted highlight of last year,s gathering, the red Hot Chilli Pipers. In 2008 they blew the crowd away with their original brand of "Bag Rock" music. Their high energy, high octane performance was the perfect finale to a perfect day and we know this year will be no different. Thanks must go to local companies Cowal Building and Plumbing Suppliers and Argyll Holidays who sponsored the Red Hot Chilli Pipers appearence this year
Finally down on the main arena the bands will be massing for the spectacular and spine tingling salute to the Chieftain. The sound of 3000 pipers and drummers playing in unison is something that, once heard, will live with you forever.