CROWDS of people from near and far enjoyed a great day out at the sun-soaked Gourock Highland Games.

The 67^th instalment of the event took place on Sunday 11 May 2025 at Battery Park in Inverclyde.

Gourock Highland Games 2025. Pipe bands performing at Battery Park.

Organised by Inverclyde Council, Gourock Highland Games is the first games of the Scottish season and is free to attend.

Battery Park was bathed in sunshine as visitors enjoyed first-class piping, dancing, ‘heavy’ competition, food and drink, stalls, and, of course, plenty of ice cream.

Early indications suggest in excess of 10,000 people attended.

The event was presided over by local Guide leader Sandra McColl, who was chieftain of the 2025 Gourock Highland Games.

Sandra said: “It was such a brilliant day from start to finish and the lovely weather was just the icing on the cake.

“There was so much talent on display across the piping, Highland dancing, and heavies events for men, women and children.

“It was such an honour to be chieftain and have that unique opportunity to witness and enjoy the entertainment up close.

“The sights, sounds, and also the smells from the food producers and stallholders throughout the day was incredible.

“Gourock Highland Games really does show Inverclyde at its very best in such a beautiful location at Battery Park and it was a privilege to be part of it.”

Gourock Highland Games 2025. Children competing in a ‘tug of war’.

There was a record number of applicants for the heavy events this year, which included the return of the ladies heavies competition after their successful debut in 2024.

Local school pupils also took part in the traditional mini-Highland Games organised by the Inverclyde Council and sportscotland active schools team.

This year’s Gourock Games also saw the highest number of entries received for the West of Scotland Highland Dance Championships which took place over the course of the day.

Elsewhere, there was a busy line-up of pipe bands who competed for silverware throughout the day.

Provost Drew McKenzie said: “What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than on the banks of the Clyde at Battery Park witnessing the annual spectacle that is Gourock Highland Games.

“It never ceases to amaze me the level of talent on display throughout the day from people of all ages who showcase the fruits of their labour, whether that is piping, dancing or sport, to people from near and far.

“There was definitely an international feel to this year’s games with so many people from outwith the area visiting, including some passengers from the magnificent Nieuw Statendam cruise ship which was docked in Greenock.

“They all came to discover exactly what Inverclyde has to offer and they were not disappointed.

“The games are a fantastic advert for Inverclyde and showcases what a wonderful place it is.”

Gourock Highland Games 2025. Highland dancers dancing by the water.

Other activities on the day included come and try circus skills stall hosted by the Beacon Arts Centre and the council’s libraries service, Inverclyde Libraries, hosted a variety of events for all ages including Bookbug for wee ones, book folding for age 16+, badge making, sessions with local heritage volunteers and lots of information about what’s on and available at libraries across the area.

There was also a host of delicious street food options, community and charity stalls, vintage fire engines, a climbing wall and bungees, traders from across Scotland, a bar/beer garden and a funfair.

Attentions now turn to the 68^th Gourock Highland Games, which are expected to return to Battery Park on Sunday 10 May 2026.

For more information about things to do and see in Inverclyde, visit discoverinverclyde.com