Inverclyde will welcome Finnie, the official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, to the Gourock Highland Games next month.
The colourful unicorn mascot, designed by Glasgow school pupils, will be on site at Battery Park on Sunday 10 May to take in the amazing sights and sounds of the first Highland Games of the Scottish season – and meet lots of locals and visitors enjoying the games.
Provost Drew McKenzie said Finnie would have a great time at the flagship Inverclyde event.
He said: “The Gourock Highland Games is a fantastic day out, as everyone in Inverclyde already knows.
“I’m sure Finnie will receive a warm Inverclyde welcome and will have a great time at another successful Gourock Highland Games.”
Finnie will be joined at Battery Park by her friends at Glasgow 2026’s Big Ticket Drop-In, who are inviting fans to answer a series of fun personality questions – from favourite meals to dream holidays – to discover their ideal sport on the Glasgow 2026 programme
Finnie said: “I’m super excited to skip along to the Gourock Highland Games and meet lots of new faces.
“I’m not quite brave enough to try the caber toss yet, but I might give the hammer throw a go, especially since it’s going to be part of the Athletics and Para Athletics at Glasgow 2026 too. I also can’t wait to find out what sport everyone gets in the Big Ticket Quiz. See you in Battery Park!”
Glasgow 2026 is the largest sporting event in the UK this year, taking place from 23 July to 2 August with 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories set to compete in a world-class programme of 10 sports and six Para sports in four iconic venues across the city. You can be part of the unforgettable moments that will define this summer, with tickets on sale now at www.glasgow2026.com
This year’s Gourock Highland Games take place in Battery Park on Sunday 10 May from 12noon till 6pm and are completely free to attend.
They are the first of the Scottish season and are organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA).
Charlie Murray, former president of the RSHGA and heavies competition organiser said: “As past President of the RSHGA it once again gives me great pleasure to work with the events team at Inverclyde to deliver the 2026 Gourock Highland Games, which is the opening event of the Highland Games Season.
“The event is held at Battery Park, a stunning venue on the banks of the River Clyde.
“Over the course of the day, visitors will see competitors both male and female competing in traditional heavy events like hammer throw, shot put, weight throw and caber toss as well as the Highland dancing and pipe band competitions. Visitors will also be able to visit and purchase from the wide range of stalls and can enjoy the wide array of food stalls selling a wide range of delicacies.”
The games will include traditional heavy events like tossing the caber and hammer throwing, including the unique Kempock Stone. The event will also include Highland dancing and pipe band competitions, finishing with the iconic pipers march past to close the games.
Battery Park will be full of arts and crafts stalls featuring creative makers from across Scotland, local traders and community groups. There will also be a great selection of street food, baked goods and drinks with something for all tastes.
The culture and heritage marquee will have a wide range of activities suitable for all ages including popular Bookbug sessions for wee ones and their families; Love Your Library where you can find out all about what your local library has to offer; Love Local Heritage will explore the history of Gourock Outdoor Pool and also commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Greenock Blitz with a silent disco featuring 1940s music; and Highland folk tales with Archaeology Scotland.
There will be a new birds of prey stand and local Scouts will be serving up hot drinks and treats in the tea tent.
Inverclyde Active Schools’ mini Highland Games will involve youngsters from local schools, and there will be fun for the whole family including fair rides, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and more.
Campaigning school pupil Cameron McGerr is the chieftain for the 2026 Gourock Highland Games.
The 16-year-old Clydeview Academy student has been campaigning to introduce CPR to secondary school pupils since he lost his parents, Lynne and Kevin to heart conditions.
He took his campaign all the way to the Scottish Parliament when he addressed MSPs in the chamber last September.
