Intro & events
The Heijgelaar family is the owner and proprietor of the Craigieburn Guest House.
We pride ourselves of our knowledge of the local area and Scotland in general and we will be able to provide you with ideas and suggestions to complete your holiday or visit. Being avid Scotland lovers, we can show you places that are of great interest and that will complete your stay in the area.
Below you can find some great and unmissable events. Book now and experience Cowal!
The below is courtesy of Visit Cowal.
Please visit their excellent website for up to date information on all the events and activities!
Loch Fyne Oysters December Events
Loch Fyne Oysters has an array of gourmet food and drink events in December, starting with an evening of seafood and wine on December 3rd click on the website for full details. Leading up to Christmas there are a variety of tastings in the Loch Fyne Farm Shop, with some of the favourite farm shop suppliers, on December 15th, 16th, 17th, 19th, 20th. For full details contact 01499 600482
Burgh Hall, Dunoon December Events
The Burgh Hall has a lively programme of winter events, with an Abba Tribute on Saturday December 4th, The Wizard of Oz fron Thursday December 9th for three nights, a variety show on Sunday 19th and a Hogmanay Special on Friday December 31st! For more information phone 703302 or visit the Burgh Hall website
Fiddle Workshop Cowal
Fiddlefolk is based in Lochgoilhead and runs the Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop and Fèis Cheann Loch Goibhle. Visit the website to keep in touch with best traditional music events throughout the year in local community venues.
Fiddlefolk also teach traditional fiddle, and other instruments, to youngsters and adults in Cowal and Argyll and arrange school, community music tours and residential tuition weekends.
November
Saturday, 12th - Open Mike Night at the Lochgoilhead Hotel
Come and join in the regular acoustic/open mike night. A very informal music night in the bar from 9pm. So if you're a maestro on the guitar or a singing sensation come along and share your talent. The hotel is hoping to build a collection of instruments for visitors to use, so if anyone has an old instrument gathering dust at home and would like to donate it to the pub feel free to pop it in. More info available from Karen on 01301 703 208
Sunday, 13th - Glasgow Philharmonic Male Voice Choir Autumn Concert
If you enjoy male voice choirs then this promises to be a wonderful afternoon. Come along to St John's Church, Dunoon at 3pm. Conductor William Barr, and organ solos by Dr Frank Barclay. Everyone most welcome. Tickets £8 (£6 concessions) available at the door, or by phoning (01369) 702831 or 702041. All proceeds in aid of the organ fund.
Sunday, 13th - Cowal Fiddle Workshop Concert in Dunoon
You are invited to their annual concert of mainly Scottish fiddle music being held in the Queens Hall, Dunoon. 3pm till after 5pm. Tickets £7.00 Children £5.00 under 5 FREE available from the Queen's Hall in advance or at the door. Home baking tea & coffee at the interval. Featuring Tom and Heather Morton as solo singers accompanied by Russel Cowieson. More information available from the Queens Hall on 01369 702800.
Saturday, 19th - Benmore Botanic Gardens.
Gardens of the World in the Courtyard Gallery at 2pm. Join us for an illustrated talk about gardens of the world by Graeme Mitchell, followed by afternoon tea. £3, £2 for members. Garden Admission Applies.
Saturday, 19th - Children in Need night at the Lochgoilhead Hotel
The Lochgoilhead Hotel is hosting it's annual pyjama party in the bar. This will be their 3rd fundraiser for Children in Need and is always a great night out. They hope to have as much support as the previous years and get a wee look at your pj's!!. More info available from Karen on 01301 703 208
Saturday, 19th - Ceilidh Dance at the Cowal Golf Club in Dunoon
The An Communn Local Branch will be holding a Ceilidh Dance with The Heron Valley Band, Archie MacLean Mod gold Medallist and Morag Law, Mod Medallist at the Cowal Golf Club, Ardenslate Road, Dunoon. All welcome. Ticket enquireis to glenlodge@lineone.net
Wednesday. 23rd - Paul Merton's Adventures show features Cowal
Last in a six part TV series, comedian Paul Merton's Adventures includes a feature on Insight Venison in Cowal. Look out for it on Channel 5 at 9pm.
Saturday, 26th - Open Mike Night at the Lochgoilhead Hotel
Come and join in the regular acoustic/open mike night. A very informal music night in the bar from 9pm. So if you're a maestro on the guitar or a singing sensation come along and share your talent. The hotel is hoping to build a collection of instruments for visitors to use, so if anyone has an old instrument gathering dust at home and would like to donate it to the pub feel free to pop it in. More info available from Karen on 01301 703 208
Sunday, 27th - The Creggans Christmas Cracker
It's back! Hopefully this year with a little less snow at ground level. Come along between 11am and 4pm and enjoy an afternoon's shopping for festive treats and local produce all to the sound of wonderful carol singing. Wonderfully Festive Lunches, 22 Local Artisan Craft Stalls - Fyne Cakes, Fresh Berry Designs, Highland Bling, Derek Prescott Photography, Fyne Preserves and many, many more!! Dunoon Grammar School Choir, Afternoon Teas & Christmas Cocktails. All just over an hour from Glasgow - perfect for a lovely day out! Call on 01369 860 279 for details and hope you can make it.
December
Saturday, 3rd - Christmas at Glenbranter
Location: Glenbranter Forest Office. As well as picking up your real Christmas tree, why not explore one of the forest trails, have a go at our orienteering course or watch the resident red squirrels going about their business. In addition there will be free mince pies, tea and coffee available and Christmas decorations to make. A Forestry Commission event. Download the programme.
Festive Season - Portavadie Marina
Saturday 3rd December to Saturday 24th December, all day. Festive menu 4 courses including tea or coffee and mince pies - Lunch £15.00 Dinner £25.00 per person includes a glass of mulled wine on arrival. Dinner also includes ½ bottle of wine per person. Pre bookings only. A £10 non refundable deposit required per person. More details and daily events.
Thursday, 22nd - Christmas at Glenbranter
Location: Glenbranter Forest Office. As well as picking up your real Christmas tree, why not explore one of the forest trails, have a go at our orienteering course or watch the resident red squirrels going about their business. In addition there will be free mince pies, tea and coffee available and Christmas decorations to make. A Forestry Commission event. Download the programme.
Saturday, 31st - Hogmanay - Portavadie Marina
All day. Portavadie House Party in the Lodge restaurant offering a Scottish buffet and dancing until 1am. £25 per person. Minimum tables of 8. Gala Dinner in our marquee, a chance to reflect but not before ending the year in style here at Portavadie. Canapés and fizz on arrival, 3 course dinner, toast in the bells. Dancing until 1am. £45 per person. Tables of 8 persons. Fireworks at the bells. 2 and 3 night residential packages available. For availability and booking contact events@portavadiemarina.com. A £10 non refundable deposit required per person. More details and daily events.
2012
January
Sunday, 1st January
The annual Ne'er Day Dip in Loch Goil will be held mid morning. This is a popular spectator event with an increasing number of people doing the dip each year. A charity event guaranteed to blow your hogmanay cobwebs away. Details available from the organiser Craig Nobes On 01301 703 344.
May
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.
July
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.
August
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.
October
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, 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.
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