12.03.2026
The flagship Inverclyde event – which attracted a record crowd of more than 15,000 visitors to Battery Park in 2025 – will take place on Sunday 10 May 2026 from 12noon till 6pm and is completely free to attend.
Locals of all ages will mingle with visitors who travel from far and wide to enjoy the first Highland games of the season
Once again the games will include the popular traditional heavy competition with both male and female competitors taking part in events including tossing the caber and hammer throwing.
Dancers will take to the stage for the Highland dancing competition while pipe bands from across Scotland will travel to the park to take part in their competition and the iconic march past to officially close the games.
The huge Battery Park site on the beautiful banks of the Clyde will once again be full of attractions including arts and crafts stalls from across Scotland, local traders and community groups. There will also be a great selection of delicious food, baked goods and yummy treats for all tastes.
A vintage fire appliance from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Trust will be on site alongside the return of the popular Come and Try Circus Skills after the attraction was a hit last year.
Inverclyde Council’s library service will deliver fun, family-friendly activities throughout the day including their popular Bookbug sessions for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and families.
Pupils from local primaries will take part in Inverclyde Active Schools’ mini Highland games while all ages can enjoy the fair rides, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and much more.
Provost Drew McKenzie said: “We know that summer is on the way when we announce the date for the Gourock Highland Games.
“It’s a flagship event for Inverclyde Council and rightly so with thousands of locals and visitors enjoying a fantastic day out.
“The event celebrates Scottish culture and really does have something for all ages and interests to enjoy.”
The Gourock Highland Games are the first of the season and are organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA).
Parking will be very limited on the day but the site is well served by public transport with Fort Matilda train station a short walk away and several bus routes through Inverclyde stopping at Battery Park.
For the latest information about the 2026 Gourock Highland Games, follow the games on Facebook and Instagram.
