Highland Games Team Up with National Tourism Board
The Gourock Highland Games have teamed up with VisitScotland as an official member of the partner programme for Scotland’s Year of Young
People 2018.
The games in May hold a unique position in Scotland marking the start of the Scottish Highland Games season.
This year’s Chieftain – in recognition of the Year of Young People 2018 – is 16 year old Rhys McCole, a member of the SportScotland and Young Scot’s Young People’s Sports Panel and an Ambassador for Inverclyde for the Year of Young People 2018.
He said: “The games are a fantastic event in themselves but this year gives us an opportunity to join the national celebration of Scotland’s young people.
“I am delighted we will be working alongside VisitScotland to promote the games and to highlight the important and valued contribution young people make to communities.
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.
Fairground rides, children’s activities and a wide range of food and community stalls add to the entertainment for people of all ages.
Inverclyde’s Provost Martin Brennan said: “Linking up with Scotland’s national tourist board is a great opportunity to promote the games and Inverclyde as a whole to a wider audience.
“The games are always a fantastic occasion and this year have the added bonus of promoting the young people of Inverclyde and the Year of Young People.”
The Games are open to the public free of charge from mid-day on Sunday 13 May 2018 culminating in the Chieftain’s March Past at approximately 5.30pm.
2018 Year of Young People
• The Scottish Government’s themed year for 2018 is the Year of Young People, following the Year of Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017.
• A global first, YoYP 2018 is a platform for young people aged eight to 26 years old to have their voices heard on social issues and their talents celebrated.
• A year-long programme of events and festivals are taking place across the whole of the country for all ages to enjoy, led by EventScotland part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
• Local authorities, schools, youth groups and organisations are running their own YoYP 2018 activity. Search #YOYP2018 on Twitter for the latest news.