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
Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is a three day cultural festival which has been held in the town of Fergus, Ontario for more than 70 years. The festival includes events leading to the World's Scottish Athletic Championship. It is the oldest festival of its kind in North America. The festival was first held in 1946 as a two day event in Victoria Park in downtown Fergus, organized by Alex Ferguson. The festival later expanded to three days; it outgrew the park and was moved to the grounds of the Center Wellington Township