April
Every Friday - Guided House Tour of Ardkinglas House in Cairndow
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. A chance to look round this private house built by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1907. Cost £6.15 per person, school children £3.00, younger ones free. See web site for further details. Come and find the tallest tree in Britain in our woodland garden. Admission charge applies. Telephone: 01499 600261
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens
Meet at the admissions area Benmore Botanic Garden. Make sure you see the best of Benmore by joining a guided tour. Tours take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Benmore Explorer runs on a Wednesday and Thursday To book the explorer call 01369 706 261 or enquire at the admissions desk. Garden admission charge applies.Phone 01369 706 261 or email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Friday 27th - Ardkinglas - A day Away
11.00 am Azalea and rhododendron guided walk. Park and meet in front of Ardkinglas House. Lunch at the Tree Shop - soup and a roll. 2.00 pm Guided tour of Ardkinglas House. Total package at 20% of normal prices £12.00
Or pick any one individually. Booking preferred but not essential
Sunday 29th April to Friday 29th June - Benmore Botanic Gardens.
In Search of the Blue Poppy, Courtyard Gallery Benmore Botanic Gardens 10.30am - 5.30pm. Garden admission charge applies. Photographs from a 2010 expedition sponsored by the Scottish Rock Garden Club that followed the footsteps of George Sherriff and Frank Ludlow into the mountains of Bhutan.
Call 01369 706 261, email benmore@rbge.org.uk
May
Every Friday - Guided House Tour of Ardkinglas House in Cairndow
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. A chance to look round this private house built by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1907. Cost £6.15 per person, school children £3.00, younger ones free. See web site for further details. Come and find the tallest tree in Britain in our woodland garden. Admission charge applies. Telephone: 01499 600261
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens
Meet at the admissions area Benmore Botanic Garden. Make sure you see the best of Benmore by joining a guided tour. Tours take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Benmore Explorer runs on a Wednesday and Thursday To book the explorer call 01369 706 261 or enquire at the admissions desk. Garden admission charge applies.
Phone 01369 706 261 or email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Friday 11th May - Bluebells at Ardkinglas
11.00 am Bluebell guided walk. Park and meet in front of Ardkinglas House. Walk £5.00. Booking preferred but not essential
Monday, 14th - Kilmun Graveyard Mrs Jean Maskell
Kilmun Church 7.30pm £2.50 All proceeds to Argyll Mausoleum Ltd.
As long ago as 1987 Jean began the painstaking work of transcribing the monumental inscriptions of Kilmun. Now a leading member of the group of people researching the history of Kilmun and its surroundings, Jean is now working on local houses and buildings and will, for her first talk, concentrate on the old graveyard of Kilmun.Tickets on the door or phone Ann Galliard 01369 701202
Friday, 18th - Ardkinglas Estate 6.00pm
Ardkinglas are involved the national Museums at Night event taking place across Britain. For information on all the events please visit www.culture24.org.uk.House Garden Walk and Bonfire. Enjoy an evening azalea walk in the Ardkinglas House Garden followed by a bonfire and BBQ on the shore. Bring your own bottle and food. Walk to start at 6pm, BBQ at 7pm. £6 per head. Advance booking required. Subject to cancellation if adverse weather 01499600261 info@ardkinglas.com Suitable for any age. Book now to secure your place for this fantastic evening.
Saturday, 19th - 20th - Loch Fyne Food Fair
Come and join the celebrations. Stalls open 11am - 6pm FREE ADMISSION during the day (parking £3 per vehicle) Live music throughout both days. View their website.
June
Every Friday - Guided House Tour of Ardkinglas House in Cairndow
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. A chance to look round this private house built by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1907. Cost £6.15 per person, school children £3.00, younger ones free. See web site for further details. Come and find the tallest tree in Britain in our woodland garden. Admission charge applies. Telephone: 01499 600261
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Meet at the admissions area Benmore Botanic Garden. Make sure you see the best of Benmore by joining a guided tour. Tours take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Benmore Explorer runs on a Wednesday and Thursday To book the explorer call 01369 706 261 or enquire at the admissions desk. Garden admission charge applies.
Phone 01369 706 261 or email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Saturday 2nd - Plant Sale
In the Innellan Village Hall between 10am and 1.00pm. In aid of cat rescue.
Contact eleanor.stevenson1234@hotmail.co.uk for details.
Saturday 2nd - Fiddle workshop Concert
In the Strachur Village Hall a concert put on by Fiddle workshop - Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop.
Contact Evie Campbell evie.cam@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01369 860499
Sunday 10th - Benmore Botanic Gardens - Open Day
12 -4 pm. Free Entry to Garden all day. Benmore Gardens Open Day Tours, activities for children, plant sale, craft fair, cake and candy.Fun for all the family. Elizabeth Aldam 01369 840350.
Contact: 01369 706 261, email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Saturday, 16th - Ceilidh
Hunters Quay Holiday Village 7.30 - 11pm. Fundraising for Clic Sargent..Contact: Jackie McBurney 01369 707772 or 07717 404520 or email: jackiemcburney@aol.com
Saturday and Sunday, 23rd and 24th - Scottish Open Gardens
Ardkinglas Cairndow, £6.15 2.30. A guided tour of this private Lorimer house considered his masterpiece. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.
Contact 01499 600261 or email: info@ardkinglas.com
Saturday, 30th - Ceilidh
Held at Uig Hall and featuring Canned Haggis.
Contact 07704957201
July
Every Friday - Guided House Tour of Ardkinglas House in Cairndow
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. A chance to look round this private house built by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1907. Cost £6.15 per person, school children £3.00, younger ones free. See web site for further details. Come and find the tallest tree in Britain in our woodland garden. Admission charge applies. Telephone: 01499 600261
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Meet at the admissions area Benmore Botanic Garden. Make sure you see the best of Benmore by joining a guided tour. Tours take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Benmore Explorer runs on a Wednesday and Thursday To book the explorer call 01369 706 261 or enquire at the admissions desk. Garden admission charge applies.
Phone 01369 706 261 or email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Monday, 2nd - Mighty Eachaig Raft Race
Uig Hall Rashfield. River level permitting, the race will start just north of the bridge over the Eachaig at Benmore Gardens and will finish at the footbridge at Uig Hall.Contact 07704957201
Saturday 7th July to Wednesday 31st October - Hard Rain - What'll You Do Now (exhibition) 10am - 6pm (5pm October)
Formal Garden, Benmore Botanic Garden Garden admission applies to non-members This new, greatly expanded version of the original challenging photographic essay about the state of our planet, inspired by Dylan's evocative lyric, now includes an additional section on the amazing solutions being pursued across the globe and here in Scotland.
Contact 01369 706 261, email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Saturday, 7th - Luss Highland Games
Within easy travelling distance of Cowal you can plan a trip to visit the Luss Games by Loch Lomond. Events: Running, Cycling, Heavy Weights, Light Field, Highland Dance Contact Details.
Saturday, 7th and 8th - Provisional date - Tarbet Seafood Festival
Easy to reach by ferry from Portavadie or by road from Cowal plan a trip out to the annual Seafood Festival in Tarbert, Loch Fyne, Kintyre featuring the usual family entertainment, cookery demonstrations and outdoor market along with a selection of live music and more. Each year a selection of local chefs take part in cookery demonstrations, bands play from the quayside and of course a local girl along with two school children are chosen to be seafood royalty and lead the annual parade.
Tuesday, 17th - Inveraray Highland Games.
Come along to the World Caber Championships. The games start with a pipe band parade at 10.45am from the town centre. Admission prices at the gate are Adults £8, Seniors £5 and Children £3. Family Ticket £18. Free parking at Winterton Park. The games are well sign posted to Inveraray. More details on their website.
Saturday, 14th - Loch Lomond Highland Games
Within easy travelling of Cowal you can enjoy a visit to the Loch Lomond Highland Games held at Moss o' Balloch Park, Loch Lomond. Events: Running, Cycling, Heavy Weights, Solo Piping, Wrestling, Highland Dance. The Games are a traditional Highland Games and hosts:The official SGA Heavyweight World Championship (Ball, Hammer and Caber Weights) The Scottish 80 Metres Running Championship The Scottish Backhold/Cumberland Style Wrestling British Championship Highland Dancing Solo Piping Cycling Tug o' War Pipe Band events at local and national level. Visit their website
August
Every Friday - Guided House Tour of Ardkinglas House in Cairndow
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. A chance to look round this private house built by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1907. Cost £6.15 per person, school children £3.00, younger ones free. See web site for further details. Come and find the tallest tree in Britain in our woodland garden. Admission charge applies. Telephone: 01499 600261
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Meet at the admissions area Benmore Botanic Garden. Make sure you see the best of Benmore by joining a guided tour. Tours take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Benmore Explorer runs on a Wednesday and Thursday To book the explorer call 01369 706 261 or enquire at the admissions desk. Garden admission charge applies.
Phone 01369 706 261 or email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Friday, 12th to Monday 15th - ARTMAP Argyll.
A must see weekend for any visitor who enjoys touring beautiful Argyll and seeing truly original artwork in the homes and studios of the local artists. Stay in Cowal and make a weekend of it. There is a good choice of B&B's, guest houses, hotels and self catering holiday homes. This is a proposed date - confirm closer to the time on their website ARTMAP Argyll website.
Saturday, 13th - Sunday 14th. Small Acorns Event at Hunters Quay Holiday Village
A popular family friendly fun day out. Take part in free indoor and outdoor activities. Meet and learn about strange sea creatures, birds of prey, bats, hedgehogs and more. A unique learning experience for all the family. Hands on activities from crafts to artistic interpretation. Enjoy the rare opportunity of a guided minibus tour into the quiet woods on the side of Loch Eck.This event is run by Argyll Holidays in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland. Contact 01369 707771 for times and details. This is a proposed date - confirm closer to the time.
Wednesday, 22 - 25th Cowal Highland Gathering.
The world's largest Highland Games, featuring the World Highland Dance Championships and Pipe Band Championships with over 150 bands, also track and heavy athletics, shinty and children's activities.
Wednesday, 22nd - Kirn Gala at Kirn Promenade by Dunoon.
There is no charge for entry, but Charity/Community stall holders pay a fee for the use of our market stalls to raise money for their funds or promote their organisation. Children's' entertainments and stalls open late afternoon. Music/Entertainment takes place at 6 p.m. in the Arena. The street is closed to traffic. For more information phone the secretary on 01369 702769
Thursday, 23 August - The Argyllshire Gathering in Oban
Easy travelling distance from anywhere in Lochgoilhead and the Cowal Area enjoy a day out to Mossfield Park in Oban. Events: Running, Solo Piping, Light Field, Highland Dance. Visit their website.
Saturday, 24th - Ceilidh
Held at Uig Hall and featuring Canned Haggis.
Contact 07704957201
September
Every Friday - Guided House Tour of Ardkinglas House in Cairndow
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. A chance to look round this private house built by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1907. Cost £6.15 per person, school children £3.00, younger ones free. See web site for further details. Come and find the tallest tree in Britain in our woodland garden. Admission charge applies. Telephone: 01499 600261
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Meet at the admissions area Benmore Botanic Garden. Make sure you see the best of Benmore by joining a guided tour. Tours take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Benmore Explorer runs on a Wednesday and Thursday To book the explorer call 01369 706 261 or enquire at the admissions desk. Garden admission charge applies.
Phone 01369 706 261 or email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Friday, 21st to 24th - Cowal Open Studios
Artists studios open throughout Cowal.
See www.cowalopenstudios.co.uk or contact andy@kilmunart.co.uk 01369 840517
October
Every Friday - Guided House Tour of Ardkinglas House in Cairndow
BOOKING ESSENTIAL. A chance to look round this private house built by Sir Robert Lorimer in 1907. Cost £6.15 per person, school children £3.00, younger ones free. See web site for further details. Come and find the tallest tree in Britain in our woodland garden. Admission charge applies. Telephone: 01499 600261
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Meet at the admissions area Benmore Botanic Garden. Make sure you see the best of Benmore by joining a guided tour. Tours take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2.00pm. The Benmore Explorer runs on a Wednesday and Thursday To book the explorer call 01369 706 261 or enquire at the admissions desk. Garden admission charge applies.
Phone 01369 706 261 or email benmore@rbge.org.uk
Friday, 5th - Sunday 14th Cowalfest Walking and Arts Festival.
One of the largest and most varied walking festivals in Scotland, with more than 70 walks led by expert and knowledgeable walk leaders.
Friday, 5th to- 14th - Stravaign Art Exhibtion
Held in the Burgh Hall Dunoon the annual Art exhibition.
Contact annbcampbell@aol.com
Friday, 12th - 20th Royal National MOD
The annual MOD returns to Dunoon. There will be a full programme of events, and fringe events, to bring the language, culture and music to the people. Details on their website.
Saturday, 12th - Ceilidh
Held at Uig Hall and featuring Canned Haggis.
Contact 07704957201
December
Thursday 6th to Sunday,9th - Santa Event
Held in Blairmore and put on by the Blairmore Village Trust.
Contact Jenny Waine 01369 840853
Monday, 31st - Hogmanay Hootenanny
Held in the Burgh Hall Dunoon 9pm - 1am Hogmanay Hootenanny
Contact annbcampbell@aol.com
January
Tuesday, 1st - Ne'er day Dook
Sandy Beach Innellan
(Innellan and Toward Family Centre)
