HAMISH AT COWAL GATHERING

Hamish likes to go out and about with the presenters at the Gathering meeting lots of people, so many he has his own album in the photo gallery Hamish, Bluebell and Wee Sydney have been busy helping set up the studio in preparation for the Gathering which they are all really excited about.

Hamish checks out the Stream before the live broadcast begins while Wee Sydney makes sure everyone has enough coffee a very important job when Victor and Archie are about.

Bluebell is busy updating the website.

Cowal Highland Gathering 2012

He, Bluebell and Sydney had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to nexts years event,Well you may think Hamish has been having a very long hibernation but has been very busy practising on his pipes and keeping an eye on what all the local pipers have been up to.  He had a lovely day at the World Pipe Band Championships with his friend Bluebell (she came to Cowal Games last year and just loved the town so much decided to stay) and his little cousin from Australia, Sidney They saw many friends including Christine Lacey, Donald McPhee and Gregor Edmunds.

Checking the Programme

First item on the agenda was to catch Dunoon Grammar School Pipe Band who where playing at 9.00am in their qualifying heat everyone agreed that they had played very well but unfortunately they did not make it through to the final.  Next they sat on the Green where they could watch the screens for the Grade 1’s and listen to all the bands tuning up round about them while they checked out the programme and planned the rest of the day.  There was a lot to fit in with the piping, dancing, heavy events, drum majors and stalls.  Of the local Bands Cowal Pipe Band in Grade 3B’s came third in the heats to make it into the final where they were placed 8th.  Inveraray & District Juveniles got a well deserved 5th place in their final while the Grade 1 Band where placed 7th in their final.  Bluebell was very impressed with all the smart uniforms noting that Inveraray seemed to be very fashionable with their grey tweed waistcoats.

They also watched the Dancing Championships in which 3 local Dancers Holly, Stephanie and Shannon where taking part , unfortunately we are not sure of the results so can’t let you know about these, but they did promise to come and visit us in the studio so we will find out then.  We also meet several dancers from around the World that would be coming down to Cowal.  The day was rounded off by the traditional Mass Pipes before the prize giving.

For more pictures go to photos

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Hamish gets a cuddle from the Chiertain

This year we have been joined by Hamish the piping bear, he is helping us interview people round the stadium, why not come and say hallo to him.

Hamish makes sure he is ready for the day by filling up on porridge from Stronmagachan Farm, Inveraray who are part of the Argyll Foods area. We are a bit worried if he keeps visiting the Argyll Caterers for a sample of their delicious fayre he won’t fit into his kilt

Hamish visits all his friends at the ‘Teddies in Tartan’ stall

Hamish helps with Neil Sturgeons sound check on Lukes Programme

Hamish catches up with good friend Donald Mcphee as Donald has a wee break from Piping for the Dancers

Hamish with Neil Elliot one the Heavy Athletic Competitors, he was getting a bit worried that Neil might use him instead of the Cowal Stone

Hamish visits Kilkeel Dancing Hose for a new pair of Socks

Hamish practising for his Saturday night slot

Hamish looking longingly at the Best Dressed Piper Trophy which he is hoping to take from last years winner Jori Chisholm

Hamish trying out one of the Triumph Cars

Hamish meets councillor Walsh

Hamish with Tommy the Clown fundraiser extrodanaire, who ran The Oban Hill race on Thursday before coming to Dunoon and running the 5K in the evening