Gourock makes the Grade
Gourock Highland Games is set to make history this weekend.
For, six Grade One pipe bands will be competing at the event for the first time.
The bands, who compete at the highest competition level, will be at Gourock which marks the start of the Scottish the pipe band and Highland Games season this Sunday 14 May at Battery Park in Inverclyde.
The six bands competing in the Grade One competition in arena number one are: Scottish Power; Inveraray and District; Shotts Dykehead Caledonia; Johnstone; The Glasgow Skye and Greater Glasgow Police Scotland.
Inverclyde Council’s event and communications officer, Susan Rose, said: “This is a tremendous coup for the Gourock Highland Games. It will be the first chance of the year to see some of the finest pipe bands in the country compete ahead of the majors. We are delighted to welcome them to the Games and to join us in starting the season at Gourock.”
Gourock Highland Games hold a unique position in Scotland marking the start of the Scottish Highland Games season and this year come just a week before the first major pipe band championships.
Alongside the pipe band competitions, the event includes traditional highland games, heavyweight events, the West of Scotland Highland Dance Championships and mini highland games involving local school children.
The event will also host the first 'come and try sports' event with a range of free sports activities.
Fairground rides, children’s activities, vintage fire engines and a wide range of food and community stalls add to the entertainment for people of all ages.
The Games open to the public at noon and culminate with the Chieftain’s March Past.
The Chieftain for the Gourock Highland Games has been named as Greenock Morton Chairman Douglas Rae OBE. The businessman – who is also chairman of the Golden Casket confectionary corporation – will preside over the 61st annual games at their new permanent home at Battery Park
Douglas Rae OBE said: “I am absolutely thrilled and extremely honoured to have been asked. I am really looking forward to the event and to spending the day with everyone taking part.”
Gourock Highland Games is organised by Inverclyde Council and supported by River Clyde Homes, Inverclyde Active Schools, Gourock Community Sports Hub and Gourock festival of sports.
The piping competitions at Gourock Highland Games are run under the auspices of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA).