COWAL Highland Gathering is over for another year - and some of those coveted championship trophies are winging their way to new homes around the world.

This year saw reigning adult world Highland dancing champion, Forfar's David Wilton, hand over his crown to Daniel Carr of Ontario, who also took home the trophy for the best overseas adult dancer.

David didn't go home empty handed though - he retained the Victor Wesley Challenge Trophy for the best Scottish adult dancer.

Morgan Bamford returns home to New Zealand having kept her world junior championship title and trophy. Last year's juvenile world champion, Robyn Hart-Winks from Kirriemuir, had moved up a grade this year to dance in the junior event, coming third.

Robyn's juvenile title transfers to Anthea Bundy of Grangemouth.

In the pipe band championships, Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia beat last year's winners, Field Marshal Montgomery, into second place in Grade 1. Argyll band Inveraray and District came a very respectable fifth, ensuring that some of the silverware remained local to Cowal.

Boghall and Bathgate also took the drumming title but were pipped at the post for best overall band by Field Marshal Montgomery.

With plenty of other sights for spectators to see, including the heavy athletes competing in the Cowal Stone competition, backhold wrestling, and the rocking Ceilidh Tent (particular highlights Deoch an Dorus and of course everyone's favourites, Skerryvore) Cowal Saturday was a great day - despite the best efforts of the rain which may have dampened the people but not their spirits.

Full coverage, lots of photos and more results both online and in our special 12-page pullout published on Friday September 3.