Highland gatherings were annual events whose main purpose was social—a meeting of old friends and renewing clan contacts; in former times they took on political significance as clan chiefs met and discussed the events of the day.

Nowadays gatherings have another purpose—for those connected with Scotland to meet and explore their roots and find out more about where their forebears came from.

The Argyllshire Gathering is no exception and plays its part to provide information to visitors from England and overseas about celtic traditions.

The main focus is the Heritage Tent to which all are welcomed; there is much interesting information available and the exhibitors are free to exchange information with visitors all day.

The games field itself is decorated with historical banners which provide a traditional setting as held in ancient times when the gathering of the clans was the highlight of the year.