GAMES Friday dawned bright and sunny with more and more competitors arriving as the real action started.

Rain showers in the afternoon didn't dampen the spirits and certainly didn't affect the determination of this year's world dancing championship hopefuls looking to dance their way to Saturday's final.
With only one local Highland dancer competing on Friday - Sophie Lockhart of Dunoon - Cowal's dancers had a chance to rest before Saturday's Argyll Trophy and Championships.
Gathering manager Malcolm Barclay was still cheerful and remarkably energetic halfway through the event, despite the hard work put in by him and his team both before and during Cowal Games.
He told the Standard that although dancer numbers were slightly down this year, all other sectors had either stayed the same or had increased - with more pipe bands appearing this year.
Games Friday also sees local primary school pupils taking part in an athletics competition, and once again it was heartening to see a healthy competitive spirit along with plenty of camaraderie and encouragement for fellow athletes.
The heavy events also commenced on Friday, with some familiar faces returning to compete, including Gregor Edmunds from Carmunock.
Solo piping competitions also commenced today, including the coveted Burgh Cup, won this year by Ross Ferguson of Campbeltown. The Inglis Trophy went to Iain Wilson from Strachur.
For those homesick ex-pats unable to make the trip to Dunoon for the Games, Dunoon Community Radio was broadcasting live from the stadium all day, providing a taste of the Cowal Games sounds, if not the sights - and smells!
With bouncy castles and stalls being erected all round the park, there was plenty to do and see, but the most serious competition was taking place on the dancing platforms with the Scottish championships and the world championship qualifying heats taking place.
The winners of the Scottish titles were: age 7 to 9, the Chris Cameron Memorial Trophy - Jessica Baillie, Letham. Age 9, the Mary Nixon Memorial Trophy - Cameron Walker, Denny. Age 10, the Milton Trophy - Morgan McDougall, Ontario. Age 11, the Elkington Challenge Trophy - Holly Keir, New Zealand. Age 12, the Isobel St John Trophy - Ellis Hayes, Newton Stewart. Age 13, the Margaret Fisher Trophy - Maegan Stirling, Ontario. Age 14, the William Inglis Memorial Trophy - Rebecca Smith, Stranraer. Age 15, the Bob and Marjorie Lamont Memorial Trophy - Anthea Bundy, Grangemouth.
Two special trophies are awarded on Friday for the best male dancer and the best Scottish dancer in the day's competitions. This year, the May Falconer Trophy for best male went to Cameron Walker, from Denny. Meanwhile, the May Falconer Memorial Trophy for the best Scottish dancer went to joint winners - Ellis Hayes and Cameron Walker.  Young Mr Walker provided a light-hearted end to the day as he struggled to carry his haul of silverware - much of which was bigger than he was!
The dancers also heard who had qualified for Saturday's world championship finals - so while some headed home in tears, others headed home wreathed in smiles and gearing up to dance their hearts out once more on Saturday.

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