Highland games net service

Highland dancers take time out from competition on Friday

The world's largest Highland games has gone on-line after launching a new internet initiative.

The Cowal Highland Gathering - which attracts more than 3,500 competitors each year - is taking place this weekend in Dunoon.

And for the first time, enthusiasts unable to attend the event can keep up to date as the results of all competitions will be posted on a new website.

Organisers believe their initiative will strike a chord with an international audience.

The Cowal event attracts competitors from as far afield as Canada and New Zealand to take part in the World Highland Dancing Championship and the Cowal Piping Trophy.

Cowal attracts interest around the world

Billy Forsyth, president of the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing, said the internet initiative was a "fantastic" idea.

"In the past we have never been able to get the results of the world championship relayed to the hundreds of ex-pat communities quickly enough.

"Now, thanks to the power of the internet, be you in Toronto or Troon you will be able to keep up to date with the results of the most important event in the highland dancing calendar."

That view was backed by Cheryl Roach of the Australian Highland Dancing Association.

"Each year hundreds of young Australians depart for Dunoon for the world championships - and each year hundreds of friends and family are left behind, anxiously waiting by the phone to hear the results.

Modernising moves

"Now, instead of waiting until hours after the event, the mums, dads, grannies and grandads can get the results as they happen," she said.

The on-line results service follows other moves to modernise the Cowal event, which was first held in 1894.

These have included the banning of public alcohol consumption and the re-introduction of track and field events.