Cowal 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.
View of northern Cowal from the far side of Loch Long, showing the mouth of Loch Goil
Military road leading to Rest and Be Thankful
Castle Lachlan
Carrick Castle
Argyll and Bute is one of 32 unitary council areas in Scotland and a lieutenancy area. The current lord-lieutenant for Argyll and Bute is Jane Margaret MacLeod. The administrative centre for the council area is in Lochgilphead at Kilmory Castle, a 19th-century Gothic Revival building and estate. The current council leader is Robin Currie, a councillor for Kintyre and the Islands.
A train crossing Loch Awe
The A82, looking north
MV Isle of Mull and MV Isle of Lewis at Oban harbour, 2017
MV Hebridean Isles docked at Kennacraig