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
Glasgow Cowal Society Cup on four occasions and was captained Alex McKellar when they won the first playing of that competition in 1879. Indeed, in 2004 the club was represented by four of McKellar's great-great-grandchildren at the 100th final of the competition. In 1893, a game between Cowal and Kingussie was a major influence upon those who wished to formulise the rules of the game and to create a Camanachd Association. Cowal also appeared in the first ever Camanachd Cup Final but were defeated 2–0 in Inverness by Kingussie. The club was renowned for its "scientific" approach to the game, which initially