#cowal gathering

[sztupy]

Felfújható dartstábla

[theavenuebox]

Photo by | Summer in Scotland ushers in the season of the Highland games, a dis...

Photo by | Summer in Scotland ushers in the season of the Highland games, a dis…

Photo by @paoloverzone | Summer in Scotland ushers in the season of the Highland games, a display of pure joy, energy, and elegance. These dancers compete at the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, where the World Highland Dance Championships take place. A solo performance style developed centuries ago, Highland dance requires technique, stamina, and grace. It’s a core part of Scottish culture.…

[fotoflingscotland]

Clanadonia by FotoFling Scotland Via Flickr: Drums and Bagpipes at Cowal Gathering 2014

[imagineclaireandjamie]

Jamie competes in a modern Highland games. Cowal Highland Gathering? Braemar Gathering? I can easily imagine Jamie tossing the caber etc. while the ladies in the audience swoon! Lol

Hi anon,

You can read this story from Mod Bonnie’s Flood My Mornings arc, where Jamie plays hurling. Enjoy!

Love,

The Modz

[ankulometes]

A Year in Contemporary Albion: Hydrev

Autumn is mostly a quiet time of year in Albion. After the crazy outdoor summer shenanigans, everything goes back to a working rhythm. The schools break up for a week for Meicalmas half-term holiday on Gwenesdyth 10th. The winds rise, often bringing storms. The rain falls. The leaves fall and the streets and roads are littered with twigs and branches. The mists descend. The days shorten. Everything is musty and dank. Curtains are drawn, fires are lit, and the central heating is turned on. In the cities, people dash from trains, trams, buses, and taxis across the streaming streets under the cover of wind-torn umbrellas into the haven of theatres, tafarns, pubs, and cinemas. That quality drama series you’ve been waiting for starts on TV.

There is one really big event in the month though: Galan Gaean; also known as Ollan Sanctiad or, most commonly, Samhain. From a liturgical perspective, it covers 2½ days from the evening of Gwenesdyth 22th to Sabath 24th of Hydrev. However, the main event is definitely the opening night and definitely doesn’t take place in a church.

There has always been a somewhat awkward truce and set of compromises in Alban religion between Christianity and the belief systems that dominated the islands for millennia before its arrival. Dedicating the opening of Samhain (which was a 7 day festival in ancient times) to “all saints” and “all souls” was one of these rebranding exercises. It never really changed its character all that much to be honest.

Samhain is when the boundaries between Albion and the otherworld were thought to be particularly thin and all the spirits of the hills, the rivers, the trees, and the animals were at work. It was when the world entered the nighttime of the year and the spirits of the departed returned from Annwn. It was when Tamesis and Hafren appeared for the first time and might also return. Historically, it was thought to be a good time for divination and communion with the dead. Their aid in healing might also be sought. The gods of winter needed to be placated with offerings of food, drink, crops, and livestock. Fires were lit to ward off the impending darkness and people disguised themselves as demons and fairies so as to blend in and avoid being attacked by wandering spirits that had strayed into the world.

Obviously, it’s not like that these days. During the mediaeval period, many of the Samhain practises and rites that were perceived as heretical and pagan were stamped out. People still lit bonfires and dressed up as mythical figures, beasts, and demons (some of which were frankly terrifying) but they would use the festival as an opportunity to go wassailing in order to extort food and money with menaces from the wealthier elements in society. It could be genuinely threatening and often spilled over into violence in places where resentment existed between the gwladaras and the nobility. After the church had stamped out many of the pagan elements, the nobility stamped out many of these “anti-social” practises over the course of the 43th cantury.

This process was different in the North America and Brytanic Isles of their world. In the former, it gradually became much the same thing as you know: a somewhat kitsch event that is mainly an opportunity for children to dress up and eat sweets. Albeit, one that with all its child jeopardy, provides an ideal backdrop for horror movies. Of which the Americans in their world have also made many.

In Albion, by contrast, the upper classes nullified the threatening elements of Samhain in part by self-consciously transforming it into the closest thing the country has to a “native” carnival. Much as is the case with the Cowal Gathering, it was a self-conscious revival of a perceived ancient practice, reinterpreted within the cultural frame of their times. It went hand-in-hand with the “celtic revival” of the 43th cantury.

Many towns will host fairs (i.e. the type with rides and games that used to also include circus shows and freak displays and so forth). These typically start on Noswyl Samhain (the opening night) and, for reasons that will become clear, usually run over the first week of Novembrhi until the Feast of Sant Martyn on Sabath 7th.

Since the eldys, it has become popular to begin Noswyl Samhain with the North American practice of allowing young children to go around in costume collecting sweets. A few people decry it as encroachment of US cultural imperialism but they are in the minority. It’s generally just very young kids that do this though. The main focal point of the evening is a masked Samhain Ball. It can take any number of forms.

In every city and town, there will be a fancy ball attended by the great and good. It’s a costume thing with masks and suchlike. The theme is usually Samhain-centric but the demands of novelty mean that it can be anything. In modern times, it’s a big evening for nightclubs and so forth. A lot of people will have house parties that may span several houses in a street. Many will embark on pub and tafarn crawls. Even when it’s absolutely lashing with rain and blowing a gale, the debauchery often spills over into the street.

Everyone let’s their hair down and the police tend to look the other way when it comes to enforcing things like licensing laws and only intervene if matters get violent. It’s not customary in Albion to exclude children from “adult” gatherings, so everyone is present even if the younger ones fall asleep or have to go to bed during proceedings. They also have far more of a “wet” culture around alcohol consumption. Those under the age of 16 can’t go into pubs but you can legally drink alcohol with a meal in a tafarn from the age of 12 so long as you are accompanied by an adult (over 16). People are exposed to alcohol from a young age. Although they drink a lot there, it’s not seen as some kind of special thing and the behaviour that surrounds it is far less abusive on the whole, both towards the self and others. All restrictions tend to go out of the window on Noswyl Samhain.

In the arts, entire genres have grown up around Samhain over the past two canturies. One of the reasons some people bemoan American practises of begging for sweets is that the traditional opening of the evening for younger members of society starts in the theatre with Samhain Dramas. They’re a kind of fantastical and usually quite macabre and gothic morality play designed to scare children shitless so that they behave in socially approved ways. Just like panto (which I shall come onto later), there’s a stock set of tales mainly taken from folklore as represented through the children’s literature of the 43th and 44th canturies.

Naturally, since the advent of cinema, these folk tales and plays have also inspired a whole raft of films, many of which are most definitely not for children. Repertory cinemas often do all-nighters showing these on Samhain. (Incidentally, you can eat and drink in Alban cinemas as they are legally akin to an ostan in a number of ways.) During its heyday in eightdys, ninedys, and decdys, the Alban film industry churned these out at an incredible rate. Some of them were actually really good and have come to be considered classics.

Anyway, I think you get the picture. Technically, Samhain does go on for 7 days. Some youngsters might carry on partying over the weekend, the fairground will stick around for a week, and Samhain dramas continue to play in theatres but the bacchanalia only really goes on for one night. Most people put the freaky costumes away for next year and have to spend a quiet weekend recovering. They have to save their energy for the closing night, which falls on Gwenesdyth 5th Novembrhi.

[j2rkt]

Practicing The Cowal Gathering.

[kennethmdement]

Our First SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES!! (Cowal Gathering, Dunoon, Scotland)

[sztupy]

[theavenuebox]

Photo by | Portrait of a Highland dancer before a competition. Summer in Scotla...

Photo by | Portrait of a Highland dancer before a competition. Summer in Scotla…

Photo by @paoloverzone | Portrait of a Highland dancer before a competition. Summer in Scotland ushers in the season of the Highland games, a display of pure joy, energy, and elegance. These dancers compete at the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, where the World Highland Dancing Championships take place. A solo performance style developed centuries ago, Highland dance requires technique,…

[fotoflingscotland]

Scotsman by FotoFling Scotland Via Flickr: Flying the Saltire at the Cowal Gathering 2014

[fadingfartconnoisseur]

A Road Trip to the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon

At the end of August, I found myself back in Scotland for my third visit to this beautiful country and lucky for me, this trip coincided with two things I had been wanting to experience for a while: one was seeing the glens covered in purple heather and the other was attending the Highland Games!

I attended my first ever Highlands Games a few summers back in Fredericton, Canada, and that was a lot of fun. They had a ceilidh, Gaelic lessons, Highlands dancing, as well as a slew of athletic events including the famed caber toss where a massive pole (tree trunk!) is tossed end over end. I had been wanting to attend the ‘real thing’ ever since, and this summer was my chance!

After spending a few days in Glasgow, it was finally time for the big event, so Sam and I hopped in our rental car and set out towards our destination. Next stop: the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon!

The town of Dunoon is located on the west shore of the upper Firth of Clyde in Argyll and Bute, and we were treated to some pretty amazing landscapes on the drive over. Technically, we could have just taken a ferry across and cut our travel time, but we wanted lochs, we wanted forests, and we wanted winding roads to soak in the beauty of nature, so we were more than glad to tack on a few extra kilometres.

Our route took us west out of Glasgow and then north along the shores of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. Loch Lomond is the largest loch in Scotland and probably the most famous after Loch Ness, so we pulled over to stretch our legs and take some photos – unfortunately, there was no sighting of Nessie’s cousin!

From there we continued through Arrochar, over the Rest and Be Thankful lookout point, along Loch Fyne, through Strachur, and down the shores of Loch Eck before arriving in Dunoon…in the middle of a torrential downpour!

As there was little chance of sightseeing considering the weather, we grabbed a quick bite of dinner in town, and then continued on to the nearby town of Innellan where we would be spending the night.

Staying at a cozy AirBnB in a mansion

Now I feel like I say this a lot, but we ended up at one of the coolest little AirBnBs ever!

We had a room in a merchant’s mansion from the 1850s, our bedroom had views overlooking the water, and there was a beautiful Golden Retriever willing to accept all the pets and belly rubs in the world. We also had an amazing host who was a classical musician, so we actually ended up spending part of the evening together chatting in his dining room and having tea and biscuits (as you do!), which was really cool.

Lately, Sam and I have been staying in AirBnBs where we have the whole space to ourselves, so it was nice having a host for a change and to hear about life in this little corner of Scotland.

Also, that night I had one of the best sleeps of my life. I think it was the combination of that cool late-summer air, the fluffiest duvet and pillows, and the tranquillity of the town, all combined to offer an amazing night’s rest.

Going to the Cowal Highland Gathering

The following morning we got up bright and early and drove from Innellan to Dunoon. It was a short 15-minute drive and we arrived just as they were setting up for the Cowal Games.

This is the largest of all the Highland Games in the world attracting over 3,000 competitors and 20,000 spectators from around the world, so it was pretty cool to be in attendance!

Having only had a quick cup of tea before we ran out the door, we wandered over to the food truck area inside the grounds. Here we saw some Scottish classics listed on the menu, so we had to dig in.

It may have been way too early for lunch, but I ordered myself a plate of beef stovies (a potato mash with onions, vegetables, and different meats) and Sam got himself some haggis with neeps and tatties (sheep’s pluck with turnips and potatoes on the side). It was my first time trying beef stovies and I really enjoyed it – hearty, filling and perfect to kick start a busy day.

And then, it was time for some games!

So what can you expect from the games?

The games were broken down into 4 main categories, and even though we were only there for a day, we still managed to see a bit of everything.

Highland Dancing – The Cowal Highland Gathering hosted the Scottish and World Championships, so there were lots of international dancers – some even from Canada! We watched part of the competition but the dance that really caught my eye was the Scottish Sword Dance. This is a victory dance meaning that if the Scots won in battle, they would dance over their enemies weapons to celebrate a return home to their wives and families.

Piping – This category was split into pipe bands and solo piping. The solo piping had taken place the previous day, but we got to watch the bands compete in the Cowal Pipe Band Championship. Apparently, at the very end of the event, all of the pipe bands get together and salute the Chieftain to the tune of ‘Highland Laddie’. We missed this but I can only imagine what 1,000+ pipers playing in unison sounds like!

Wrestling – This event is focused on Scottish backhold wrestling which has been practiced since the 8th century and was also part of the earliest Highland Games! This form of wrestling involves wrestlers gripping each other around the waist, the right hand under the opponent’s left arm and the chin resting on the opposite right shoulder. If the wrestler breaks his hold or touches the ground with any part of his body except his feet, he loses.

Heavy Athletics – Now this is what I was most looking forward to! The heavy athletics are an amazing display of human strength and a celebration of a tradition that has been passed down over the centuries. It usually features the following events:

Caber toss: Where competitors toss a caber so that it turns end over end.

Stone put: Similar to throwing a shot put, except instead of a steel shot, they use a large stone.

Scottish hammer throw: A round metal ball attached to a hammer is whirled and then thrown over the shoulder.

Weight throw: A combination of two events where light and heavy weights with a chain attached to a handle are thrown.

Weight over the bar: The athlete has to throw a weight with a handle over their head and over a bar.

Sheaf toss: Where a bundle of straw (the sheaf) wrapped in a burlap bag is tossed vertically with a pitchfork over a raised bar.

Phewww! I’m just exhausted thinking of the strength required to compete in these events. I’ll just let the next few photos do the talking.

And aside from all of these competitions, there’s actually quite a bit more to do at the games! There was also a Ceilidh tent showcasing some homegrown talent, food trucks where you could tuck into local cuisine, numerous games and workshops for children, as well as other events taking place across town like the street parade and fireworks display, a classic cars showcase, and numerous races.

All in all, plenty to keep busy!

A scenic drive back to Glasgow

We had to leave Dunoon in the late afternoon to go back to Glasgow and catch our flight, so we didn’t get to watch the closing ceremony for the Cowal Highland Gathering, but we did have a beautiful drive back.

Since we had improved weather this time, we actually managed to make a few stops, first at Benmore after we spotted a field full of sheep (yes, we are those tourists!), and then at the Rest And Be Thankful lookout point because with a name like that, you can’t help but obey!

A few tips for the Cowal Games

Now a few tips to keep in mind in case you find yourself attending the Highland Games next year:

The Cowal Highland Gathering is held annually in the town of Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute on the last weekend in August.

You’re going to be spending the whole day outdoors, so it’s a good idea to dress for unpredictable Scottish weather. Keep in mind that the grounds get very muddy by the end of the day. I wore rain boots, a rain jacket, a scarf and toque (it was surprisingly chilly for August!), and I also kept my umbrella handy and had to pull it out a few times.

Locals bring their own tents and lawn chairs (a clever move!) so something to consider if you’re planning on sticking around all day.

The Cowal Games are a popular event so it’s a good idea to book your accommodations well in advance. If you want to snag a good parking spot near the grounds, it’s also a good idea to arrive early before the games begin!

Tickets for the Cowal Games can be purchased at the ticketing booth just outside the grounds, or you can just get them online to avoid the long lines.

Have you ever attended the Highland Games? 
Where and what was it like?

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Experience a true Highland Games in an automatic motorhome rental

It’s that time again, when dancers and pipers are rehearsing their hearts out and athletes are stepping up their training.

Highland games are an icon in Scotland, a traditional remnant of days past, when kings and clan chiefs held contests to choose the most talented members of their entourages. Today, games are held all over the world, but only in Scotland will you experience authentic Highland games! In your automatic motorhome rental, you won’t miss a moment of the fun- and you will have all the comforts of home with you.

Here are a few of our favourite games to inspire your motorhome Highland holiday…

Travel to games in an automatic motorhome rental

Helensburgh Highland Games Saturday June 3

Traditional competitions here such as the dancing and athletics are on show, with the Heavies events such as caber tossing attract competitors from all around the UK. The spectators can even get in the act by competing in race events for old and young alike, with prize money in play.

Bute Highland Games Saturday August 19

Head ‘doon the water’…Bute Highland Games always has a reputation for a good turn out of bands and drum majors, with a 10K road race being the highlight.

Glenfinnan Gathering Saturday August 19

Said to be the site where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745, you can join in the games at the annual Glenfinnan Gathering. As well as being able to watch all the events in the main ring, visitors can browse a variety of stall holders offering refreshments, local food and traditional crafts. Glenfinnan is also a lovely area to explore in an automatic motorhome rental!

Argyllshire Gathering Oban Games Thursday August 24

The Argyllshire Gathering (Oban Games) is one of the grandest Highland Games held in Scotland. The event includes some of the biggest dancing, track, field and piping competitions around. Park your automatic motorhome rental at one of the area’s welcoming touring parks, and set aside a day or two to do some island hopping from Oban- we love Mull!

  Cowal Highland Gathering August 24-26

World Highland Dancing Championships & automatic motorhome rental

Welcoming over 23,000 people each year to one of Scotland’s premier cultural events, Cowal Highland Gathering showcases Scotland’s great traditions and sports such as pipe band competitions and heavy athletics as well as playing home to the World Highland Dancing Championships.

[davidmacgg-blog]

cowal 2017 (at Cowal Highland Gathering)

[kennethmdement]

Our First SCOTTISH HIGHLAND GAMES!! (Cowal Gathering, Dunoon, Scotland)