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
Scottish Games in North Carolina Scotland. The MacRae family owned the land where the games were held at the foot of Grandfather Mountain in Linville, North Carolina. The MacRae family actually founded the town of Linville in 1892 and had always wanted to have a Highland gathering there, even if just a small event. In 1955, Mrs. Morton contacted Donald MacDonald, who at the time was working for "The Charlotte News" and had also founded the Clan Donald Society not long before that as well as helping establish a Robert Burns Society of Charlotte. Knowing his dedication to Scottish culture, Mrs. Morton set out to