When?
Thursday 27th – Saturday 29th August 2026

Gates Open:
Cowal Gathering: 7.30am each day
Gig at the Gathering: 6.30pm on Friday evening

Are Children allowed?
All ages are welcome at Cowal Gathering. Under 5s do NOT require a ticket. Ages 5yrs to 15yrs require a child admission ticket. 16yrs + require an adult admission ticket.
Saturday has a wide range of family friendly activities included in the ticket price including access to the live music tent, kids’ storytelling, stunt bike shows, arts and crafts workshops etc.

Do competitors in the highland dancing competitions require an admission ticket?
No, competitors in the highland dancing competitions will receive a competitor pass that will allow them access to the venue on the day they are competing. It is important that they keep this with them in case they wish to leave the venue and return later in the day. They will have a different competitor pass for each day.
If they wish to have a seat in any of the grandstands they will require to buy a seating ticket online.

Do I require an additional ticket to visit the live music tent on the Saturday?
No, admission to the live music tent (and the majority of kid’s entertainment) on the Saturday is included in the price of the Saturday admission ticket.

Do I require an additional ticket to visit the Gig at the Gathering on the Friday night?
Yes, The Gig at the Gathering is a standalone ticketed event and so you will need to purchase a Gig at the Gathering ticket from our ticket page if you wish to attend. We recommend getting your Gig at the Gathering tickets early as the event has sold out every year.  

Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and supervised by a capable adult at all times. We also ask that you ensure you have the means to clear up after your dog.
Only lapdogs are allowed in the seating stands and they must be in an adults lap at all times.

Is there parking?
On Thursday and Friday there is limited car parking available in the Black Park adjacent to the main entrance. Please note these are allocated on a first come, first served basis and there is limited availability. Parking costs £5 for the day or any part thereof.
On Saturday there is no parking in this area. Dunoon Grammar School often provide a car park on the Saturday. They are a short walk away on Ardenslate Road.

Is there disabled parking?
Yes there is limited disabled parking on the lane adjacent to the main entrance on all three days. These are allocated on a first come first served basis and spaces are limited.
Please ensure your blue badge is on display upon arrival so our stewards can direct you to the disabled parking areas.

Is the site wheelchair friendly?
There is a tarmac road that runs around the site. This does include a steep climb at one point, however our event staff or stewards would be able to assist if required. Some of the attractions are on grass and are predominantly on the flat but can be boggy in the event of heavy rain.

Can I get a programme?
Programmes are available at the Gathering and cost £5

Is there food onsite?
Yes there is a range of food vendors onsite for the 3 days offering a variety of options from coffee and snacks to meals. We aim to provide a variety of options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements.

Can I bring my own picnic? Can this include alcohol?
Yes, you are welcome to bring a picnic to the Gathering. Licensing restrictions mean that you cannot bring alcohol into the venue. However there are a number of bars around the venue with a full bar offering.

Can we book accommodation?
For hotel accommodation locally please visit https://www.visitscotland.com/accommodation
and https://wildaboutargyll.co.uk/destinations/dunoon-and-cowal/stay-cowal-peninsula/

Is there First Aid onsite?
Yes, they are sited adjacent to the main gate for the three days. On Saturday there will also be mobile patrols around the stadium.

How do I get to Dunoon?
By ferry
Two trains an hour leave Glasgow Central for Gourock and take you directly to the Gourock ferry terminal. From here you can catch the passenger-only ferry, operated by Caledonian Macbrayne, to Dunoon. The crossing takes about 20 minutes.

Once in Dunoon the West Coast Motors bus service 80/480 will run (approximately every 30 minutes) from the stances adjacent to the pier to the stadium entrance. Alternatively the stadium is a 15 minute walk along Argyll Street.

Western Ferries, which operates from McInroy’s Point, just outside Gourock, to Hunter’s Quay, takes cars and passengers and will be running an enhanced service during the Cowal Highland Gathering.

The McInroy’s Point terminal is on Cloch Road, Gourock, PA19 1BA. More information available from www.western-ferries.co.uk
**Please bear in mind that Caledonian MacBrayne no longer carry vehicles on the Dunoon route, but now offer a passenger only service. If you intend to bring your vehicle to Dunoon you will need to use the Western Ferries service from just outside Gourock or follow the directions below to come by road.**

By road
The drive to Dunoon from Glasgow via the A82, is a picturesque route that will take you past Loch Lomond, through Arrochar, over the Rest and Be Thankful and along Loch Fyne to the village of Strachur. From here, follow the banks of Loch Eck to Dunoon.

Post Code of the venue for Sat Nav systems is PA23 7RL