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
2017 Scottish Rally Championship Beaton were declared champions in their Ford Fiesta R5. With only one event left to run the pair were uncatchable in the points table. For season 2017 there was seven events held predominantly on gravel surfaces. Due to calendar changes within the British Rally Championship, the "Scottish Rally", usually held in June was brought forward to May. June, meanwhile welcomed a new event to the calendar, the "Argyll Rally" which saw a return to the forests of Cowal after an absence of 14 years. Points are awarded to the highest placed registered drivers on each event as follows: 30, 28,