The Cowal Pipe Band Championship
The Cowal Gathering is The home of Pipe Band Championships, having held the first ever Pipe Band Championship in 1906 following an idea by a local called Malcolm McCulloch. For the first few years the competition was open only to military bands however that restriction was soon lifted and the competition was opened up to civilian bands as well.
The ultimate prize then, as it is now was the Argyll Shield, which is awarded to the winners of the Grade one competition. The Argyll Shield was donated to Cowal in 1901 by HRH the Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (a daughter of Queen Victoria). Major Outram was empowered by the Committee to raise a sufficient sum by public subscription to cover the cost of the trophy, which was made by Messrs. Elkinton, silversmiths in Glasgow. It cost £43 18s 6d and in the early years was competed for solely by Army Bands. The trophy is now priceless and always receives a special reception when it is paraded down Argyll Street at night.
The Cowal Pipe Band Championship is now one of five major championships which take place during the piping season. Recent years have seen many changes being made to the layout of this event with special viewing areas being set up around the grade 1 and 2 arenas. These changes meant it is now possible to get much closer to the bands as they perform than ever before.
The changes have been well received by competitors and spectators alike and have enhanced the event for all concerned. These changes have also been instrumental in Cowal being awarded another 3 year deal with the RSPBA allowing us to host the Cowal Pipe Band Championship until at least 2013.
The Argyll Shield being presented
As always the climax of the event is the massed bands which sees all of the 130+ pipe bands form up on the main arena and play the salute to the Chieftain. The sight and sound of 2,500 pipers and drummers playing "Highland Laddie" in unison is spectacular and once experienced will be a memory you will live with you for the rest of your days.
