Dancers compete in Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon

Dancers from around the world will gather on the Cowal Peninsula this Saturday for what’s known as the “Olympics” of Highland dancing.

Cowal Highland Gathering, held in Dunoon, will be a vibrant display of tartan and neatly pinned hair buns as it hosts the Highland Dancing World Championships.

Competitors travel from as far afield as Australia and Canada, all hoping to return home with a prestigious Cowal medal.

Competitors are judged on technique, timing, and overall presentation across four dances; the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas and the Reel.

One of those competing is eight-time world champion Marielle Lesperance, 36, from Nova Scotia.

She told BBC Scotland News: “It’s like our Olympics – the biggest event we have. Even in Canada, every young dancer grows up hearing about the Cowal Games and dreaming of winning a Cowal medal.

“The medal is renowned – it’s our version of a Super Bowl ring.”

Marielle said most dancers knew where Dunoon is and aimed to get there one day. She also shared how preparing for the games now looks different, as a mum of two.

“Like in many sports, more women are competing later in life and after having kids,” she said. “I took time off when mine were young. I didn’t realise how incredibly difficult it would be to come back after pregnancy and childbirth,I’m still nursing my youngest so it takes a toll on your body.

“Highland dancing is incredibly demanding. You’re constantly hopping, never putting your heels down, doing almost acrobatic moves. You train like an elite athlete.

“You have to train so hard to be able to make it look easy. There is a lot of effort behind each movement, even when it looks effortless.”

As for her kids, Marielle says the fact their mum is an eight-time world champion is somewhat lost on them – though they enjoy tagging along to competitions.

Eilidh Gammons, 17, from Helensburgh, is chasing her third world title – all before turning 18.

“I started dancing at two years old and was competing at four,” she said. “The first time I danced at Cowal I was seven, so when I won my first world title, I thought back to that wee girl on the same stage.”

Eilidh won the juvenile world time when she was 15, and last year was crowned the Junior World champion.

She is now aiming to defend her junior title one last time before moving into the adult category. Eilidh admits there’s pressure – but she tries to keep things in perspective.

“I try and not let the pressure get to me. I always dance best when I’m having fun. If it doesn’t go my way, it’s not the end of the world – the sun will rise the next day.”

She said Cowal was always in her sights, but training intensified during summer holidays, with early morning barre exercises and weekends devoted to competitions.

Her pre-competition ritual includes a warm bath, scrambled eggs and a banana — plus her lucky purple pants.

“It’s a bit of a superstition. It helps with energy,” she said.

Eilidh is already off to a strong start this year, having claimed the Scottish Championship title on Friday but now has her eyes on retaining her world title.

But on Saturday night, three world champions will be crowned, and training will begin for next year.