The sun shone and once again the crowds turned out in their thousands to enjoy another successful Gourock Highland Games.
Taking place in the beautiful setting of Battery Park in Inverclyde, around 12,000 visitors enjoyed a day of piping, Highland dancing, heavyweight athletics and much more.
The 68th instalment of the games took place on Sunday 10 May 2026 and was the first games of the Scottish season.
Free to attend, visitors came from across Inverclyde and overseas with tourists from as far afield as Australia, Canada and the United States enjoying the traditional Scottish event and even a photographer from the New York Times.
Campaigning 16-year-old Cameron McGerr was this year’s chieftain and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
The Clydeview Academy pupil said: “I had a brilliant day as chieftain. The sun was shining for most of it and I got to see so many different events, from the mini-Highland games to the heavy weight arena and handing out the various piping medals and shields. I spoke to so many people who all said they were having a brilliant day.
“One of the nicest moments of the day was when a firefighter from Texas came to speak to me as he’d read about my campaign for all school pupils to be taught CPR. He said CPR and training on using defibrillators is a big part of his job. He said it was great to see someone so young campaigning about it and he makes sure his kids know CPR as the schools over there don’t teach it. That was a really lovely moment for me personally.
“It was a real honour to be chieftain and is something I’ll always remember.”
Finnie, the official mascot of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, was a massive hit with children and adults alike, giving out high-fives and cuddles around the park.
The culture and heritage marquee held popular Bookbug sessions for wee ones and their families as well as a Love Local Heritage display on the history of Gourock Outdoor Pool and the 85th anniversary of the Greenock Blitz was marked with a silent disco featuring 1940s music.
Inverclyde Active Schools held a popular mini-Highland Games with youngsters trying their hand at sprint races, tossing a mini caber, Highland step and shot putt. Teams of 12 from All Saints, Ardgowan, Gourock, Kings Oak, Lady Alice, Moorfoot, St Mary’s, St Ninian’s, Wemyss Bay and Whinhill primaries all took part with Ardgowan Primary declared the winners.
Elsewhere on the site there was a wide variety of traders, delicious food and drink, community stalls, a funfair, climbing wall, a Come and Try circus skills stand from the Beacon, Owl Magic birds of prey display and much more to enjoy.
Provost of Inverclyde Drew McKenzie, said: “These games are a wonderful showcase for Inverclyde.
“Hearing the skirl of the pipes across Battery Park on the banks of the Clyde with its amazing view never disappoints.
“Once again we welcomed visitors from around the world to Inverclyde and I am sure everyone went home with some lovely memories having enjoyed a fantastic event.
“Our thanks to all the partners who organise the various strands and events on the day to make it such a special occasion.”
For all the official photographs from the games, follow the games on Facebook and Instagram and check the council’s
