Cowalfest serves up autumn colours in a van Gogh palette
The Black Prince, a curvy yellow vase, walking, an Argyll car, the founder of the science of ballistics, Japan and Dunoon. There is a link that binds these together. One part of the link is the wonderful scenery and outdoor activity opportunities offered by the landscape and forests of the Cowal Peninsula, which has attracted visitors to the area for nearly two hundred years. And during this mild, sunny spell of autumn weather walkers taking part in Cowalfest are soaking up the spectacular views now dressed in russet and gold colours, the fascinating historical tales, the rewarding glimpses of wildlife and the enjoyment of fresh air and good company. In the gloomy days of winter these bright memories will resurface to add colour to your day. The other part of the link lies in the exhibition currently running as part of Cowalfest's seventh walking and arts festival. This has astonished and delighted those who have visited it, with one local lady already having returned four times with friends explaining that they just have to see it.
The exhibition, Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence: Art, ships and plants shows how Alexander Reid, the only British person painted by Vincent van Gogh, is also associated with the items mentioned above. The best way to find out how is to visit the exhibition. Known as a Glasgow art dealer of international importance, what is less well known is that Reid and his family lived in Cowal for twenty years and for eighteen years he represented Dunoon South Ward on Argyll County Council. "This is not just an exhibition about art", emphasised Dorothy Bruce, the exhibition curator. "This is about a man and his associates at a very interesting, vibrant and innovative period when the Cowal peninsula was the playground of merchants and royalty and Alexander Reid was lauded as an international art dealer with an unerring eye for a good painting.. Many of these associates had houses in Cowal, others like the painters who became known as the Glasgow Boys forged international reputations, promoted by Reid."
Cowalfest, Scotland's largest walking and arts festival, was officially launched at the civic reception on Friday 9th October when Councillor Bruce Marshall, Chair of the Council's area committee, spoke about the festival's success in developing walking opportunities in Cowal, with a great variety of walks now on offer. As well as the addition of cycling and horse riding a wide range of arts activities had also been held. With Cowalfest being a Homecoming Scotland 2009 event and a Japan-UK 150 event, these two celebrations had been brought together in the exhibition on Alexander Reid that surrounded them in Cowal Camera Club.
The exhibition which features images specially brought together for its ten day run in Dunoon is a one off, and with it having received coverage in Culture and Sport Glasgow's quarterly Preview magazine it is attracting widespread attention. An accompanying booklet is also available to purchase at the exhibition or online from the Cowalfest website.
The festival runs until Sunday.
Monday 28th September 2009
Clans, merchants and worldwide links
Ardkinglas, Dunderave, Knockdhu, Kilfinan - names with a magical ring that conjure up images of Cowal's colourful past, names associated with Cowal's main clans - the Campbells, MacNaughtons, Lamonts and McEwens. There were Fletchers, too at Dunans, and MacFarlanes further to the north.
Cowal was the Peninsula that secured the Campbell's might and power, with Dunoon Castle and Carrick Castle protecting from attack from the Firth of Clyde and keeping open all important routes for trade and travel. At Dunoon and Blairmore the Campbells kept boatmen to secure a speedy exit should that prove necessary in troubled and uncertain times.
As the might of the clans diminished the merchants, in search of air fresher than the heavily polluted atmosphere of Glasgow, discovered the Peninsula, many purchasing land and properties from clan dignitaries, refurbishing or rebuilding these to suit their more modern expectations of comfort and grandeur. Some, like Kirkman Finlay and James Duncan planted trees, literally millions of them, transforming the landscape. Some maintained their properties as Highland sporting estates, whose purpose was to provide deer and grouse shooting and fishing, others looking for more economic returns introduced sheep. From Greenock just across the Firth many emigrant ships sailed to a new world.
Cowalfest 2009 provides an opportunity to discover more of this fascinating story, and to visit some of these places. With over eighty walks, many with a historic or ancestral content, you can take a short stroll around the centre of old Dunoon, learning of the Castle's fortunes; hear about the magnificent Victorian pier built out into a Firth which saw for a time the world's greatest ships pass down river; or listen to the story of Highland Mary, Burns great love, whose statue looks out across the Firth as if still waiting for her Rabbie to take her to the colonies. Or enjoy a longer walk such as the Lamont history walk with Mary Lamb, Secretary of the Clan Lamont Society. Starting at Knockdow and discovering something of its history and connection with Clan Lamont, and hearing about the massacre of Lamonts by Campbells at Toward in 1646, the walk continues over the hill to Inverchaolain where the church, Old Manse and small Lamont museum bring history to life, before returning along the Loch Striven beach to Knockdow.
The worldwide links of the new industrialists and merchants, in particular those with Japan, and their fascination for building art collections is one aspect of the Cowalfest exhibition, Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence - Art, ships and plants, which looks at how cross influences enriched our lives. Our ancestors, the men who had industrialised Scotland, making Glasgow the second city of the Empire, also played a part in the industrialisation of other countries, including Japan. In turn Japanese art had a significant influence on Western art and art in Scotland, partly thought its promotion by the Glasgow art dealer Alexander Reid (who lived for twenty years in Cowal) and his selling of avant garde art influenced by it.
23rd September 2009 - From Jim Mather MSP (Argyll & Bute)
Cowalfest Extends its range
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Portrait of Alexander Reid by Vincent van Gogh, 1887
© copyright Culture and SportGlasgow (Museums)
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Argyll & Bute MSP Jim Mather, has welcomed the announcement of details of the exhibition, as part of Cowalfest, the Walking and Arts festival based in Argyll, of Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence –Arts, Ships and Plants.
Jim Mather said: “The connection between the Cowal Peninsula and Alexander Reid, friend and associate of Vincent van Gogh is not immediately apparent. However an exhibition arranged and set up by Cowalfest and taking place at the Cowal Camera Club, Dunoon, from 9th October until 18th October will demonstrate that Reid lived in Dunoon for 20 years and was active as a County Councillor in Argyll for almost eighteen years. Reid was most famous as an Art Dealer at a time when dramatic development was taking place in that field but his interests were eclectic, ranging as a sportsman, a keen walker, a vigorous enthusiast of matters Scottish but also with an keen interest in Japanese printwork and French modernist painting at a crucial period in its development, Scottish Art in all its variety and local politics. Van Gogh’s portraits of Reid are often mistaken for self portraits as the two friends bore remarkable similarities in appearance.
The exhibition is a Homecoming Scotland event but it also celebrates the 150 year old treaty of friendship between Japan and the UK which heralded the “opening up” of modern Japan. A principal mover in this was Thomas Glover from Fraserburgh, known as the Scottish Samurai and also reputed to have attracted the attention of the composer Puccini of Madame Butterfly fame Glover, whose reputation and standing remains high there, had a major role in the industrial modernisation of Japan. A by product of this was the considerable influence of Japanese and oriental art in the West and the connection with Reid then becomes apparent.
The Cowalfest exhibition draws those threads together and provides a fascinating glimpse into the influence the Cowal Peninsula played in the wider world in those days. Scottish businessmen were at the head of many entrepreneurial ventures and the Clyde littoral was frequently their base and their playground.
The organisers of Cowalfest deserve warm congratulations for their vision in extending their already impressive festival activities with this informative and fascinating venture”
JIM MATHER MSP jim.mather.msp@scottish.parliament.uk
Wednesday 16th September 2009
Van Gogh's friend comes home for Cowalfest
Not the man himself as he died in 1928, nor the original of the famous portrait of him painted by Vincent Van Gogh, but Cowalfest, the October walking and arts festival in Argyll, has been granted permission to use images of the famous portrait for its exhibition Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence - Art, ships and plants. So Alexander Reid is coming home for Cowalfest.
Known as the Glasgow art dealer who was friendly with and painted by Vincent Van Gogh, what is less well know is that Alex Reid lived in Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula for twenty years, for eighteen years also serving as an Argyll county councillor.
Keen walker and sportsman, artist, entrepreneur, hard bargaining salesman, plausible politician, nurturer and worldwide promoter of Scottish artistic talent, Burns enthusiast, avid collector of Japanese prints, a Francophile described by one of his friends as a perfervid Scot, Alex Reid’s story mirrors the times he lived in, the exuberant yet challenging fin de siècle mélange of Glasgow, Paris and Cowal. His friendships with avant garde artists, his introduction of their works to Scotland, and his vigorous promotion of Scottish artists made him a significant force in Scotland's cultural standing, giving art in Scotland a close association with that in France and making Scottish art known in Europe and America.
Cowalfest 2009 is both a Homecoming Scotland event and a Japan-UK 150 event in a year of celebrations marking the signing of a treaty of friendship and trade between Japan and the UK. This marked the end of Japan's 250 years of isolation. In its re-emergence as a growing industrial nation a number of Scots played key roles, with 2009 being the 150th anniversary of Thomas Glover's arrival in Nagasaki just as Japan was beginning to open up to the west. Glover is now known as the Scottish Samurai.
In bringing both celebrations together the exhibition provides an intriguing glimpse into the world of Alexander Reid and the connections and cross influences between Scotland and Japan in the latter half of the nineteenth century and the early years of the twentieth. 2009 is the centenary of Reid’s visit to Japan in 1909, and the exhibition and the accompanying booklet looks at the influence of Japanese art on European and Scottish painters, and at the world of industry and shipbuilding, many of whose firms had close links with Japan, that generated enormous wealth for Scotland’s merchant princes, their passion for art collecting and interest in the plants and trees being introduced at the time.
In the years Reid lived in Dunoon, the Cowal Peninsula and the Clyde Estuary were the playground of the rich and royal with connections across the globe. The Japanese connections are no less fascinating by being previously overlooked.
Cowalfest would like to record its thanks to Culture and Sport Glasgow, SCRAN (The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland), Nagasaki University Library, The National Library of Scotland, Consulate General of Japan, The Viscount Weir, Forestry Commission Scotland, Ardkinglas Estate, Argyll & Bute Library Service, Mitchell Library Glasgow, Cowal Camera Club.
Their help and Homecoming Scotland 2009 support from Argyll & Bute Council and Argyll & the Islands Leader has made it possible to bring Alexander Reid home for Cowalfest.
A booklet specially written by exhibition curator, Dorothy Bruce, Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence : Art, ships and plants from the Cowalfest Publishing imprint at £4.99 ISBN 978-0-9553312-3-7 will be published in conjunction with the opening of the exhibition on 9th October.
Cowalfest runs from 9th to 18th October. Further information on its 86 walks, cycling, horse riding, talks, house tours, drama, Dunoon shop window gallery and the exhibition Alexander Reid and the Japanese Influence - Art, ships and plants can be found at www.cowalfest.org.
Thursday 27th August
Putting music on a pedestal
Probably best known for his iconic 20m high figure, The Angel of the North, which overlooks the A1, near Newcastle, and his 100 figures along a 3km length of shoreline in Crosby, Merseyside, known as Another Place, Antony Gormley is acknowledged as one of Britain's renowned artists.
Over many years he has explored the concept of the collective body and the relationship between self and other in a number of large-scale installations. His latest work is an extension of this connection between individuals. In One & Other volunteers on Trafalgar Square's fourth plinth, its empty plinth, become representations of themselves and of the human population of the world, viewed by other members of society.
Since July of this year a stream of eager volunteers has occupied this plinth, one hour at a time, for twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. One of the earliest of these brave folk was Cheyenne Brown from Bird Creek, Alaska who rose to the challenge along with her Scottish harp. Lifted up to the plinth on a mobile platform, once installed Cheyenne's skill was tested by the gusting wind and what appears to be a pair of purple wings which if they didn't launch her into flight over London certainly didn't make her string plucking any easier.
Both Cheyenne and her harp, this time embracing Cowal's terra firma, will be appearing at the Cowal Family Gathering in Strachur on Sunday 30th August where she will be playing with Dave Currie and his dobro guitar in a mix of Scottish and Appalachian music.
She hasn't indicated whether the butterfly wings will make another appearance. To find out, will mean coming along to the event.
Sunday 16th August 2009
Wanted 10 volunteers to fly the flags
As the Cowal Gathering gets ever closer Cowalfest are are putting the finishing touches to their recently rescued bid launched as Gathering Around.
Countries taking part in this year's Cowal Gathering are USA, Canada, Australia, England, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, Holland, Belgium and Germany, but as the competitors are competing in the Stadium, Cowalfest is looking for volunteers associated with these countries to carry these nations flags in this year's Homecoming Parade.
Extending the Games period to the Sunday for the first time, a Sunday family programme at Strachur has been arranged. With an inclusive ticket there are 10 events and activities including the every popular face painting, a Celtic Tree children's theatre walk with the Walking Theatre Company, a metal working demonstration by Ian Wade at the Smiddy Museum, An Experience with Paint with Don McNeil and Jean Bell, and an exhibition and information on the stones dating from medieval times at Strachur Church. Strachur Hall is being transformed into a cafe with a deliciously retro atmosphere, refreshments included as well as crafty activities and a full afternoon music programme with Gordon and Lucy Neish and Cheyenne Brown on Scottish Harp and Dave Currie on Dobro guitar.
Much in demand as a teacher and performer on both sides of the Atlantic we are delighted to welcome Cheyenne back again to Cowal and if you don't know what a Dobro guitar is or sounds like this is your chance to hear it with the enchanting sounds of the Scottish harp. Cheyenne Brown and Dave Currie play traditional Scottish and Irish tunes interspersed with the occasional Appalachian or “American old timey” tune. These American tunes are often rooted in the music of Scotland and Ireland from where many of the earliest settlers of the Appalachian mountains came. They brought their fiddles and their tunes and they met the banjo! Dave Currie from Glasgow has been playing guitar and squareneck dobro in the bluegrass and Americana scene in the west of Scotland for over 10 years. He played with the Scottish bluegrass band Appalachian Mist for three years, touring in the UK and Ireland.
Tickets covering the 10 events cost £7.00 or Family ticket £18.00. The afternoon concludes with a Cowal Farewell with pipers from Strachur & District Piping Association. Gathering Around is supported by Homecoming Scotland 2009.
Sunday 9th August 2009
Music, Entertainment, Travel, Festivals,
'Gathering Around' blasts off with Celtic Fusion
Big sound, big name as Cowal goes international on the weekend of the Cowal Highland Gathering. Revealing more of their innovative programme under the Gathering Around badge, supported by Homecoming Scotland 2009, Cowalfest are bringing The Peatbog Faeries to Dunoon. "It's stirring stuff, but this highly acclaimed Scottish Band have built their reputation for the quality and dynamism of their performances, said Cowalfest Chair, Russell Bruce. "A Celtic fusion band, the Peatbogs music embodies many styles and influences, rock, jazz, electronica and folk and this will be a show stopping performance from one of Scotland's best known contemporary bands with a gig hit list of many of the major festivals across four continents," added Russell.
When you look at the band's lineup, that's when you realise this is something very special with Peter Morrison (pipes and whistles), Adam Sutherland and Peter Tickell (fiddles), Innes Hutton (bass, percussion) Graeme Stafford (keyboards) and Iain Copeland (drums), plus The Wayward Boys as the Brass section. It is a lot of sound and the creative energy between musicians in this instrumental lineup is woven into stunning and sometimes surprising arrangements making this a night not to be missed. The concert is presented by Cowalfest in association with Lochgoilhead Fiddle Workshop.
Opening Friday night's concert is our own Cowal Pipe Band with a rousing welcome and intro spots to both of the Peatbogs sessions.
Music is a dominant element throughout Cowalfest's Gathering Around programme. Pipes and drums in Saturday's Homecoming Parade followed by a relaxing Sunday with the sultry, crooning tones of Lucy and Gordon McNeish. In alternating sessions, Cheyenne Brown on Scottish Harp is making a return visit to Cowal, this time with Dave Currie on Dobro guitar playing their signature blend of Scottish and Appalachian sound. Strachur and District Piping Association will have a solo piper opening the afternoon's music programme and four pipers taking part as the day concludes with a Cowal Farewell.
To find out more and to tell your friends and relatives what's on, click on 'send an e-card' on the right, chose which card you would like to send and add your personal invitation - it's a great way of spreading the word.
Monday 3rd August 2009
Cowalfest to launch Gathering Around from 28th - 30th August
Cowalfest has concluded arrangements with EventScotland to take over the funding package previously awarded to Dunoon and Cowal Marketing Group and is now finalising a programme which will be presented as Gathering Around, a Homecoming 2009 supported event.
"The Cowal Gathering is an iconic event for Scotland and we have established close links with it so that our programme dovetails with the Gathering programme but adds and extends the range of events and activities available to visitors" explained Cowalfest Chair, Russell Bruce "We have secured The Peatbog Faeries for a high profile opening concert on Friday 28th August. Much in demand at major music festivals, the Peatbogs will get our programme off to a foot stomping start with their exciting individual style. Based on the Isle of Skye, the Peatbog Faeries have become one of Scotland's best known names in contemporary folk music. They have taken their own individual brand of Scottish tunes to audiences around the world, from European Festivals, to Asia, Africa, America and Australia and were winners in the Scottish Traditional Music Awards 2008 as "Best Live Act 2008" added Russell.
"Detailed planning for our promotional campaign is well under way and we believe we have a Homecoming 2009 programme with a lively presentation that will welcome visitors home to Scotland and Cowal in style" explained Cowalfest Vice Chair, Dorothy Bruce. "With bands no longer available in the numbers of past years we are introducing some exciting innovations in our planning for Saturday's Homecoming Parade which will add colour and vitality to the centre of Dunoon and produce a family carnival atmosphere" added Dorothy.
Marie Christie, Project Director of Homecoming Scotland 2009, said: "We are delighted Cowalfest have come forward to deliver the proposed programme of enhanced activity and promotion around this year's Cowal Highland Gathering. This is one of Scotland's iconic events and it is appropriate in the Homecoming year that we make a special effort to welcome visitors from far and wide to the area to enjoy a packed programme of entertainment in the stunning surrounds of the Cowal Peninsula."
To extend stays and introduce visitors to more of the Cowal experience Cowalfest are introducing a Sunday programme based around Strachur on 30th August. A relaxing family day with a single ticket covering 10 events and locations, visitors will be able to explore their roots and all that is best in Cowal today. There will be a full programme of music throughout the afternoon, crooning sessions from the talented Lucy and Gordon Neish alternating with Cheyenne Brown on Scottish Harp making a return to Cowal, this time with Dave Currie, on dobro guitar playing a blend of Scottish and Appalachian music. Included are refreshments in a cafe with a retro atmosphere, crafts, Stories from the Stones, An experience with Paint with Don and Jean McNeil, a metalwork demonstration at the Smiddy, a Celtic Tree Walk for children with the Walking Theatre Company and the pipes and drums of Strachur and District Piping association.
Friday 10th July 2009
Cowalfest attempts to rescue Cowal Games supporting events funding
In a frantic Friday of emails and talks, a Cowalfest led consortium is attempting to rescue a much needed £10,000 funding package for events that the Dunoon and Cowal Marketing Group were unable to deliver.
In a statement issued on behalf the the Cowalfest Consortium, Dorothy Bruce, Cowalfest Vice Chair said, '"It is never easy to deliver events and we know just how hard work it is and the demands it makes on willing volunteers and the management and direction demanded of event organisers in pulling it all together and delivering a quality visitor experience. I have been in touch with Malcolm Barclay of The Cowal Gathering and he has agreed to provide us with details of the programme they put together for DCMG. "
The Cowalfest Consortium are clear that this should be an ancillary event to the Cowal Games but that the cumulative impact of parallel and non conflicting events can do much to contribute to the overall success and enjoyment of our visitors and put Cowal on the map for the right reasons.
Cowalfest Chair, Russell Bruce said. "We have secured the help of our MSP and Tourism Minister, Jim Mather and importantly also secured a hearing with EventScotland's Homecoming Director. We are are also in a dialogue with Argyll & Bute Council whose support is vital to our bid to lead a consortium to deliver this important extension of the Cowal Games experience. We are here at the 11th hour and working against the odds", added Russell, cautioning against early optimism with more than a few hurdles still to leap.
Sunday 5th July 2009
Cowalfest launches Summer Taster Programme
Circle the 25th and 26th July in your diary and come to Cowal for a great Summer Walks Weekend, a weekend of taster walks that will whet your appetite and put you in the mood for coming back in October for Cowalfest’s Walking and Arts Festival, Scotland’s largest walking and arts festival
Enjoy guided walks from Forestry Commission rangers, hill walks with wonderful views, a magical walk through a fairy glen, heritage and theatre from the Walking Theatre Company, guided walks through Benmore Botanic Garden, see wildlife and learn about bats, and calm yourself with Tai Chi in peaceful, awe inspiring surroundings.
Sunday 21st June 2009
Cowalfest backs a winner
Mary Black (formally Fallon) and a former resident of KIlmun was sponsored by Cowalfest in her bid to match or better her third place last year in the Edinburgh Moon Walk.
At 5.00 in the morning, Mary crossed the finishing line and achieved her ambition to be the first to complete the 26.2 mile marathon. 10,000 walkers set off from Inverleith Park at midnight all having cajoled friends and relatives to sponsor them in aid of Breast Cancer. The organisers are hoping to raise £3 million this year for Breast
Cancer.
"It's not a race, explained Mary, and the important thing is to have a go by engaging in a healthy activity, enjoying the social aspect of walking with others and raising awareness and money for research into a devastating illness." Mary does admit though to being just that little bit competitive and in striving to better her time last year she did shave a few minutes off her previous Moon Walk times and that was enough to let her complete the course ahead of the thousands that had set off at midnight.
Clearly on a high, speaking to us on Sunday afternoon, she explained " I have to admit I am thrilled and having got home for a belated night's sleep I found that I just could settle" Mary clearly likes a challenge and she is already planning the next but that's another story Cowalfest will be unveiling later. Today is about celebrating Mary's first place, a challenge met and its inspirational value for us all.
It is not too late to add to Mary's sponsorship total. Cheques can be sent to Mary Black c/o Cowalfest The Bannachra, Blairmore, Argyll PA23 8TL made out to Mary Black and write For Breast Cancer Research on the reverse. All money sent will be acknowledged so please include your contact details.
14th June 2009
Cowalfest supports Breast Cancer Research
Cowalfest is supporting Mary Black, a former resident of Kilmun, in her bid to match or better her 3rd place in the Edinburgh Moon Walk on 20th June.
Mary, formally Mary Fallon, when she lived in Kilmun, has taken part in the Edinburgh Moon Walk Marathon, all 26.2 miles of it, for the last 2 years. In 2007 she completed the course in 5 hours 45 minutes. Last year she achieved a placing with a personal best of 5 hours 17 minutes securing 3rd place. Twelve thousand walkers took part so being 3rd was a tremendous achievement for Mary. The total sponsorship raised for breast cancer was £2.7 million and the organisers are hoping to raise £3 million this year.
"Cowalfest walks are not competitive but walking is about many things and making ourselves healthier and fitter and encouraging others is certainly part of it. Two thirds of Cowalfest walkers are women so we thought Mary's passion for walking and helping Breast Cancer charities was something we should support." said Cowalfest Chair, Russell Bruce.
Mary now lives in the Borders where she works for a local bus company doing school and college runs. Our picture shows Mary against the background of the Eildon Hills near where she now stays. "The Eildons are Mary's green gym and she will often do all three before breakfast as part of her training regime" added Russell.
"This year Cowalfest will have a Moonlight walk on the opening night of the festival but you won't have to walk through the night and it will not be a race but a gentle moonlight walk of 2 to 3 miles starting from Dunoon Visitor Information Centre and the money raised that evening will be for Macmillan Nurses, so we hope it is well supported" said Cowalfest Vice Chair Dorothy Bruce.
Last year Cowalfest collected for Arrochar Mountain Rescue.
28th May 2009
Take a stroll through Cowal’s gardens
The Cowalfest website has a new page with information about garden in and around Cowal.
A variety of fascinating gardens is to explore around the Cowal Peninsula, and a few others within easy travelling distance. Some are open all year, others only for a day or two. Find out where and when they are open, and enjoy the plants, the trees, the ponds and the views.
Go to the "Gardens in Cowal' web page.
16th May 2009
Cowalfest Walks Tall
AGMs are nail biting. Will you get the required quorum? Cowalfest in the end had a record turnout at its AGM at the Whistlefield Inn as it gears up for its seventh festival with an expanded programme for Homecoming Scotland 2009.
Speaking at the AGM Cowalfest Chair, Russell Bruce said that he would not give a detailed report on the past year's activities as so much had been going on and Cowalfest Newsletters and the 2008 Annual Review were all on the website. Instead he spoke about why Cowalfest had been established seven years ago to aid social and economic regeneration. "Tourism is worth £4.2 Billion to the Scottish economy and walking accounts for nearly a quarter of that. One Billion pounds is the contribution walking makes. The national strategy is to position Scotland as a world class walking destination and Cowalfest's is to position the Peninsula to become one of Scotland's premier walking destinations. Just getting our share, on a rural population level, of that One Billion pounds could bring £8 to £10 million pounds into the economy of the Cowal Peninsula, said Russell. Tourism is Scotland's largest earner and building that base and working at destination development in turn stimulates small business start ups. Putting ourselves firmly on the destination map stimulates inward investment. It is a virtuous growth spiral and with our rich environmental and cultural heritage assets we have it all to play for" said Russell.
The AGM got down to the important business of the evening and in a major development the meeting approved the committee's plan to become a social enterprise company, limited by guarantee and approved the nomination of 6 directors of the new company which will be a strategic umbrella organisation for Cowalfest activities. The Directors of Cowalfest Community Interest Company are Frieda Bos (Company Secretary) Jean Maskell, Fiona Russell, Sadie Dixon-Spain, Dorothy Bruce and Russell Bruce. The Festival Committee continues as a sub committee of Cowalfest CIC with a mix of directors and members - Chair, Russell Bruce, Vice Chair, Dorothy Bruce, Treasurer Ken Finlayson, members Frieda Bos, Fiona Russell, Diane Wilson, Glynn Wilson, Sadie Dixon-Spain, Lynn Pratt, David Pratt, and Jan Crawford.
Cowalfest runs from 9th to 18th October 2009 and is supported by Argyll & Bute Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, and Leader. HIE Argyll & The Islands has supported Cowalfest in its transition to a social enterprise company.
The full programme of Walks, Bike and Horse Rides, House Tours, Talks, Music, Drama and Exhibitions will be unveiled in June.
Monday 27th April 2009
Cowalfest in top 10 International Festival Promotion
Cowalfest, the 10 day walking and arts festival held throughout the Cowal Peninsula each October, was one of only 10 of Scotland’s big hitting festivals to pitch to International tour operators at an event organised by VisitScotland in conjunction with VisitScotland Expo 2009 in last week.
Expo is Scotland’s flagship business to business event for the travel trade which offers the opportunity for Scotland based exhibitors to showcase their products and services to potential buyers from around the globe.
The credit crunch has brought new challenges to the travel and tourism industry. In a buyers’ market there is a thirst for great deals. So in an effort to show tour operators how they could add value and woo customers, the VisitScotland International Marketing team decided to provide an opportunity for international tour operators to meet representatives from Homecoming events ideally placed to be included as part of their tour packages.
This was the first occasion VisitScotland had run such a workshop for events organisers, and Cowalfest, considered by the International Marketing team to be of interest to the long haul market, were sent an invitation, giving us the fantastic opportunity of promoting both Cowalfest and the Cowal Peninsula as a new (to them), easily accessible from airports, destination for their clients.
As well as Cowalfest, others attending were - Blas 2009, Doors Open Days, Edinburgh Festivals, Piping Live 2009, Scottish Ballet, The Gathering 2009 Ltd, Whisky Month, Whisky Week 09, and World Pipe Band Championships
“It was a fantastic day”, said Dorothy Bruce, Cowalfest’s Vice Chair, “though somewhat frantic, and hard on the voice. In 44 sessions I delivered my presentation to 106 tour operators. That’s a lot of rapid-fire repetition of the points you want to get across.”
The International Tour Operators came in four groups - Russia and Central European Market “The Russians knew what they wanted, and that was simply the best,” commented Dorothy.
China and India Market – “China seems obsessed by golf at the most expensive level,” added Dorothy. They seemed to be visiting all of Scotland’s most prestigious courses but I was able to interest some in activities their wives would be keen to pursue”
In the afternoon came the North American Market and finally the European Market and London Based Operators. These included well known travel operators such as Kuoni, Thomas Cook, Intourist and DFDS Seaways.
“Despite being hard work it was a really interesting and energising day”, added Dorothy. “The presentations were well received and the fact the presentation had been put on CD to take away was appreciated. In fact the response was very positive.
“There’s now a great deal to be followed up on, and questions to be responded to on a wide range of subjects.
Cowalfest and Destination Dunoon & Cowal will be looking at how it can utilise the information gained from the event and work with others to develop packages and products to meet this demand. These should not only meet but surpass visitor expectations. And they can now be promoted to our new database of international tour operators.
“The lessons of the day, however, were clear. The Destination Dunoon & Cowal project was well received, but we have to be focussed, flexible, competitive and prepared to go the extra mile to win the business. As one exhibitor succinctly summarised , “It’s a buyers’ market.””
Cowalfest attendance was supported by HIE Argyll & The Islands to further the objectives of Destination Dunoon & Cowal.
