GREENOCK star Martin Compston is set to be chieftain of the Cowal Highland Gathering in Dunoon in August as the famous event celebrates its 130th anniversary.

Martin Compston – who was also the gathering's chieftain in 2015 – has been a regular visitor to the event since he was a youngster.

As well as visiting the live music tent, touring the top field entertainment and meeting Gathering visitors, the Line of Duty actor will also accept the salute from the massed bands and present the trophies to this year’s World Highland Dancing champions, and the winners of the Cowal Pipe Band Championship, the world’s oldest pipe band championship.

Martin said: "I was delighted to have been asked to be Cowal Gathering’s Chieftain in 2015, so you can imagine how honoured I am to be returning across the Clyde again this year as the 2024 Chieftain.

"To be invited to take on this role is an absolute privilege, but as this year is the 130th anniversary of Cowal Gathering, it is even more special.

"I’m looking forward once again to watching the pipe bands, Highland dancing and heavy athletics competitions, as well as meeting the thousands of people who will be enjoying one of Scotland’s best days out.

"I have fond memories of getting the ferry across with my family as a kid to head to the Stadium, and I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere of this very special event."

Cowal Gathering board member Fraser McCowan said: "This is a big year for Cowal Gathering as we celebrate our 130th anniversary and we were thrilled when Martin accepted our invitation.

"Martin was a fantastic Chieftain in 2015, and he left an indelible mark on the event. Since then, his star has continued to rise, and we have watched his career go from strength to strength. Despite the countless awards he’s won for his work, travelling around the world and living the dream of a successful actor, he has retained his love of his home town and, we’re delighted to say, for Cowal Gathering.

"We are very much looking forward to what is going to be a Cowal Gathering to remember."

For more information about the event or to buy tickets, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.