The countdown is well and truly on as one of Scotland’s top family friendly events prepares to step back onto the virtual stage for the second time as Cowal Highland Gathering welcomes people from across the world to gather online and celebrate the 127-year-old event.
Cowal’s Virtual Gathering was first held in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the world in its tracks. The event proved so popular that, when the 2021 event had to be cancelled due to continued uncertainty over large-scale events, organisers immediately started planning a second virtual event for Gathering fans across the world.
Running over what would have been the Cowal Highland Gathering weekend from Thursday 26 – Saturday 28 August the three-day event includes something for everyone.
The Cowal 5K is back and invites anyone to take part, wherever they are in the world. A special exhibition competition, filmed under COVID conditions, will see some of the Gathering’s favourite Scottish heavy athletes compete against each other. A new and exclusive choreographed dance, featuring Highland dancers from across the world will be unveiled and, of course, we’ll have something for pipe band fans as well as an opportunity to take your partners for a Cowal ceilidh with the Inverhooley Ceilidh Band.
Showcase of traditional Scottish culture
Cowal Highland Gathering’s Chairman Ronnie Cairns is looking forward to this year’s Virtual Gathering saying: “We had a phenomenal response to last year’s Virtual Gathering and while we didn’t expect to be hosting a second virtual event this year, I’m looking forward to sharing what we’ve been working on over the last few months. Like last year we’re inviting people to interact with us, sending us their photos of how they’re celebrating with us. Whether that means putting on their trainers and running or walking in our Virtual 5K, getting on the floor for dance with our ceilidh band or competing in their own highland games events, we want to share their stories. None of this would be possible with the support of EventScotland who have helped us fund Cowal’s Virtual Gathering and ensure it reflects the essence of the Gathering.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Cowal Virtual Gathering. Scotland is the perfect stage for events and while we are not ale to welcome audiences to the Cowal Highland Gathering in person again this year, the Virtual Gathering will be a wonderful showcase of traditional Scottish culture for fans around the world to enjoy over the three days.”
Cowal’s Virtual Gathering will run on Cowal Highland Gathering’s Facebook page and YouTube channel from 26 August – 28 August 2021. For more details email [email protected] or visit www.cowalgathering.com