Fun in the sun at 2024 Gourock Highland Games

 

THOUSANDS of people had fun in the sun at the 2024 Gourock Highland Games.

The 66^th instalment of the popular event, which traditionally start the Scottish Highland Games and piping season in Scotland, took place at Battery Park on Sunday 12 May 2024 with an estimated 10,000 visitors in attendance.

The huge crowds were treated to first-class piping, Highland dancing, ‘heavy’ events, such as the caber and hammer throw.

For the first time, there was also a ladies ‘heavies’ competition.

The packed programme of events and activities also saw local schoolchildren compete in a mini-Highland games contest organised by the active schools service, which is funded by the council and sportscotland.

Eleven primaries were represented with King’s Oak crowned the winners followed by Moorfoot Primary as the runners-up and Ardgowan Primary in third place.

Visitors to the Inverclyde park were also treated to an array of stalls, stands, activities, a funfair and food and drink outlets.

Football legend John McMaster, who famously won the European Cup Winners’ Cup with Aberdeen and also represented hometown club Morton as a player and assistant manager, was chieftain of the games.

John said: “It was an honour to be chieftain of the 66^th Gourock Highland Games and such a spectacle to see Battery Park packed with visitors and so many talented competitors throughout the day.

“Congratulations to all the competitors and the winners and well done to everyone involved in delivering such a successful event that really does showcase Inverclyde at its very best.”

Other activities during the day included popular Bookbug sessions for babies, toddlers, nursery children, and families delivered by the council’s libraries service.

There were also fair rides, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines, a sports hub and vintage fire engine.

Provost Drew McKenzie said: “The Gourock Games are one of the highlights of not just the Inverclyde events calendar but in the Scottish diary and it was a privilege to be part of them once again.

“It’s always a bonus when the weather is favourable and, for the most part, it was a lovely warm and sunny day for people to discover what Inverclyde has to offer.”

The Gourock Highland Games are traditionally the first of the season and are organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA), the Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (RSOBD) and Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) who oversee the piping and dancing competitions.

Entry to the event is free.

The 2025 Gourock Highland Games are expected to return to Battery Park on Sunday 11 May 2025.

For more information about Gourock Highland Games visit the Gourock Highland Games social media channels and to find out about things to do and see in Inverclyde, visit discoverinverclyde.com or check out the Discover Inverclyde social media channels.