This year’s Cowal Gathering was again full of fierce competition, as thousands of spectators from across the globe descended on Dunoon to witness one of Scotland’s most iconic and family-friendly events. Regarded as one of the country’s best days out, the Gathering’s grand finale more than lived up to expectations. From Highland dancing and pipe bands to daredevil ducks, live music, and traditional heavy athletics, ‘Super Saturday’ delivered non-stop entertainment from early morning until nightfall.
More than 1,000 competitors showcased their skills, with dancers, pipers, wrestlers, and heavy athletes battling it out for coveted Cowal silverware. Adding to the excitement were this year’s Chieftains—renowned stars of STV News Sean Batty and Laura Boyd, who oversaw the day’s action. The event culminated in the World Highland Dancing Championship Finals—the largest competition of its kind globally. Dancers from the UK, Australia, Canada, and the USA competed for international glory.
World Juvenile Champion – Aisla Gocan-Wright from Ontario
- 2nd: Ellie Murgha from Queensland
- 3rd: Lucy McMaster from Carluke
- Best Scottish Juvenile Dancer was Lucy McMaster
- Best Overseas Juvenile Dancer was Aisla Gocan-Wright
World Junior Champion – Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh
- 2nd: Katjana Bruinsma from Alberta
- 3rd: Maria Monk from Glasgow
- Best Scottish Junior Dancer: Eilidh Gammons from Helensburgh
- Best Overseas Junior Dancer: Katjana Bruinsma from Alberta
World Adult Champion – Marielle Lesperance from Nova Scotia
- 2nd: Rebecca Thow from Aberdeen
- 3rd: Rosey Watt from Macduff
- Best Overseas Adult Dancer: Marielle Lesperance from Nova Scotia
- Best Scottish Adult Dancer: Rebecca Thow from Aberdeen
Cowal Gathering Chairman David Mitchell MBE hailed the 2025 event as one of the most memorable yet: “We’ve just experienced a Cowal Gathering that will go down in history. From outstanding performances to electric crowds and family-friendly fun, it’s been a celebration of everything that makes this event so special. I want to thank the people of Dunoon and the wider Cowal community, as well as our fantastic competitors, sponsors, and visitors from around the world. This year’s event has been marked by world-class talent and incredible support, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back in 2026.”
A full list of the results is available at: www.cowalgathering.com
Photo: This year’s World Highland Dancing Championships with World Juvenile World Champion Ailsa Gocan-Wright 5th from left back row, World Junior Champion Eilidh Gammons 6th from left and World Adult Champion Marielle Lesperance 7th from left.