Cowal Highland Gathering The event that would evolve into the Cowal Gathering was first held on 11 August 1894, and organised by local man Robert Cameron. 1906 saw the introduction of a pipe band competition for Army bands, at the suggestion of Malcolm McCulloch. 25 band entered in 1909, the first year that civilian bands were allowed to compete. The Argyll Shield, donated in 1906 by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, is still awarded to the winning band in the Grade 1 competition. The easy access of Dunoon by paddle steamer from Glasgow contributed to popularity of the Games. The Games also featured
Beinn Mhòr (Cowal) Beinn Mhòr (Cowal) Beinn Mhòr is the highest Mountain on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is relatively little known and infrequently climbed, but has a high topographic prominence to height ratio and consequently commands a good all round view. Beinn Mhor is within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. To its east, Benmore Botanic Garden makes use of the lower slopes, and includes an outdoor centre in Benmore House. Beinn Mhòr is most frequently and probably most easily ascended from the South, via the end of the public road into Glen Massan. From here,