HIGHLAND dancers from Helensburgh and the surrounding area returned home from the biggest competition of the year, the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon, with a barrow load of trophies and medals.

The Margaret Rose School of Dance led the way with its most successful Cowal games to date, racking up an impressive trophy tally and securing five championship titles.

Eilidh Gammons won the Scottish Championship with four firsts, as well as winning the Scottish National Championship, the Argyllshire Championship and sharing the overall trophy with Rosey Watt as the only two dancers at the events with maximum points.

Older sister Catriona Gammons won the 16 years Scottish National Championship and was runner up in the Argyllshire Championship, while Isla Flint won the 15 years Argyllshire Championship with four firsts.

READ MORE: Helensburgh dance teacher's pride at student's London performance

Elsewhere Rhiannon Charles was third runner-up in the adult Argyllshire Championship, Lauren May was third in the 15 years championship and Skye Erith was fifth in the 11 years Argyllshire Championship.

Grace Charlton, Romy Taylor and Chloe Pearce also won medals in the Argyllshire Championship, while Grace McGrath won the runner-up trophy in the intermediate section and Helen Nicholson won the runner-up trophy in the beginner’s section.

Medals were won by Ava Lily King, Isla Buet, Blythe Brown, Isla Agostinelli and Alana Ross in the pre-premier category.

It was a special occasion for Olivia Moffat who had her fourth birthday at the Gathering - and there was even more cause for celebration when she won two gold medals at her very first competition.

READ MORE: Pictures from Helensburgh and Lomond's 2019 Highland Games

Meanwhile Evelyn Taylor won three gold medals and a silver, and Jaime Ross and Eve Court won two bronze medals.

Teacher Margaret MacInnes said: “It was a very wet and windy Cowal but our spirits were lifted by our amazing results.

“Our dancers worked all summer for Cowal and reaped the rewards. I am so proud of every dancer on the stage.”

Other trophy winners from the local area included Katie Anderson from Garelochhead, Breagha Mackie and Eva Jenkins from Helensburgh, and Anna Grant from Cardross, while seven-year-old Lacey Millar from Rosneath brought home three medals from the beginners’ section.