Cowal
Cowal (Scottish Gaelic: Comhghall) is a rugged peninsula in Argyll and Bute, on the west coast of Scotland. It is bounded on the west by Loch Fyne and on the east by Loch Long and the Firth of Clyde. The Kyles of Bute separate it from Bute to the south.
Cowal
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Cowal shown within Argyll | |
Cowal Location within Argyll and Bute | |
Population | 15,560 (2013 est.) |
OS grid reference | NS 09111 85254 |
Council area | |
Lieutenancy area |
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Country | Scotland |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
UK Parliament | |
Scottish Parliament | |
The northern part of the peninsula is covered by Argyll Forest Park and also includes the Arrochar Alps. In the south, the peninsula is divided into three forks by Loch Striven and Loch Riddon.
Cowal's only burgh is Dunoon in the south-east, from which ferries sail to Gourock in Inverclyde. Other ferries run from Portavadie in the west to Tarbert in Kintyre, and from Colintraive in the south to Rhubodach on Bute.
Much of Cowal was once held by the Lamont clan. Later, the Campbells came to be one of the most powerful families in Cowal.