Dunoon the popularity of overseas travel increased. In 1961, during the height of the Cold War, Dunoon became a garrison town to the United States Navy. In 1992, they closed their Holy Loch base, and Dunoon suffered an economic downturn. Since the base's closure, the town and surrounding area are again turning to tourism, marketing to outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers as well as promoting festivals and competitions. The largest annual event held in the town is the Cowal Highland Gathering. The Royal National Mòd has been held in the town seven times and in 2018 will again be held at
BC Highland Games BC Highland Games The B.C. Highland Games and Scottish Festival is the second oldest continually running Highland Games in British Columbia, Canada. The games are run by the BC Highland Games Committee under the auspices of the United Scottish Cultural Society, out of the Scottish Cultural Centre in Vancouver. In 2019, an expanded Games with more events and activities will be held on June 14 & 15, 2019 at nearby Lafarge Lake Park in Coquitlam, steps from the Lafarge Skytrain stn. In 2019, the Games will be situated in a grassy and shaded park, more suitable for a highland games.