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
Blythe Duff at Edinburgh Castle on 6 March 2003. In November 2005 she helped launch ScotsCare, a charity aimed at helping Scottish people living in London who have money or health problems. She was asked to be an Ambassador of The Prince's Trust, having benefited from the charity in the '80s. In May 2007, she presented an evening in Holyrood Palace in the presence of HRH Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the trust. Blythe was Chieftain of Bute Highland Games in 2009 and Chieftain of the Cowal Games in 2011. She was given an