
Scottish Highland Games season kicks off with Gourock event
Gourock will host the first Highland Games of the season this weekend.
The event will see pipe bands competing for various trophies and a record number of entries at the West of Scotland Highland Dance Championships.
Youngsters from local schools will also take part in their own mini-Highland Games.
This year's chieftain, Sandra McColl, said excitement is building for Sunday's event.
She said: 'I've been going to the games for years with the Guides, so I know what a brilliant event it is for the whole community of Inverclyde and for the competitors who take part in the heavy, piping and Highland dancing events.
'I understand there has been a record number of entries to the heavy and Highland dancing events. The number of applications for stalls and food vendors was also the highest it's ever been.
'The Games already have a fantastic reputation for a great day out and word is spreading. I can't wait for it to be here and I'm sure the people of Inverclyde will be out to support the games once again.'
Gourock Highland Games take place in the town's Battery Park on Sunday from 12-6pm and attendance is free.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Zharnel Hughes set to rewrite history as GB's fastest man changes mindset
British record holder over 100m and 200m became a father in the winter and believes new mindset leaves him in a good position to finally land World Championship medal in Tokyo this year Zharnel Hughes is determined to change the nearly man narrative with Britain's fastest sprinter hoping new dad strength can propel him to the global medal he badly craves. The 100m and 200m national record holder last year saw his Paris Olympic dreams shattered by a hamstring injury. But having welcomed a baby boy in mid-winter, Hughes, 29, says he is now looking at life differently as he sets his sights on making up for past disappointments at September's World Championships in Tokyo. When Japan's capital hosted the Games four years ago, he false started in the 100m final and then had a relay silver stripped away after team-mate CJ Ujah was caught doping. But with Hughes' body 'feeling nice and strong' and several solid races already under his belt in Michael Johnson's Grand Slam series, he is in a good place early in an unusually long season. And the prospect of stepping on to the same track that brought the lowest moment of his career brings no sense of fear. 'It would be amazing to rewrite history,' he says. 'I've moved on from (Tokyo), it's long gone now but I'm looking forward to getting out there to compete.' Hughes is keen on manifestation and keeps a daily journal that charts every high and low but rather than the woes of old weigh heavily on his shoulders, his experience is becoming one of his strongest assets. Already this season there have been a couple of races where he has noticed technical issues when transitioning out of the blocks but did not panic and finished strongly. Hughes laughingly says he 'I don't want to think about' turning 30 next month but he has acquired a newfound wisdom. 'I've changed as an athlete,' Hughes says. 'It was always my job but now I know I need to take care of my son. 'I look over at him every day, hear him laugh, and I feel it's changed my mindset. Nothing else matters to me. As long as I'm making him happy and providing for him and the family is good, I'm happy.' He knows setting off soon for a summer tour across Europe before heading to Asia in early autumn will be difficult and they are already practicing FaceTime routines. 'It won't be easy but it has to be done,' he adds, and if he can bring that medal back home it will all prove worthwhile.


The Courier
3 hours ago
- The Courier
Tossing cabers and chasing kilts at Perthshire's Atholl Gathering
We've come to the Atholl Gathering, one of Scotland's most historic Highland Games, for a celebration of tradition, spectacle, and family fun. Blair Castle rises white and proud against the Perthshire hills, and its grounds are alive with kilts, cabers, and cannon fire. As a family with roots in Scotland but years spent elsewhere, we've always clung tightly to our heritage – none more so than on days like this. There's something deeply satisfying about being surrounded by tartan, cheering on pipers, and watching kilted competitors hurl logs in front of a castle. And with sunshine, cold rain, blustery wind and the promise of burgers, bouncy castles and a Highlander's dash, the day promised a classic 'four seasons in one day' Scottish adventure. We'd never been before, but its reputation as one of the more iconic Games intrigued us, especially since it's the only one in Scotland to feature a private army legally sanctioned by the monarch – the Atholl Highlanders, a ceremonial regiment that still marches under the command of the Duke of Atholl. The Gathering takes place on the beautiful Atholl Estates, stretching across some 145,000 acres of forests, rivers, and mountains. Blair Castle itself, all white turrets and baronial flair, has stood since the 13th century, and was once visited by Mary, Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. This place breathes history, and the Atholl Gathering honours it in a way that's very much alive. We arrived on a sunny-but-showery Sunday as he car queue wound its way through tree-lined lanes toward the castle. Once parked, the familiar scent of fried onions hit us: a sure sign the fairground was nearby. Our daughter Lily, eagle-eyed for anything inflatable, immediately clocked the bouncy castle. But first: the arena. A large flat expanse with a gently sloping hill to one side gave everyone a perfect view, and the white glimmer of Blair Castle peeked through the trees. Bagpipes filled the air as solo pipers competed nearby – one of many ongoing contests throughout the day. Having missed out on lunch from the Seafood Bothy (note to self: bring cash next year), we grabbed burgers and fries. Lily devoured her cheeseburger with gusto before dragging us, finally, to the fairground – bouncy castle, inflatable slide, and carousel were all tested thoroughly. One of the day's most impressive spectacles was the opening ceremony, marked by the firing of a cannon by the Atholl Highlanders. Lily, having confidently claimed she wouldn't jump at the bang, did – of course – jump. Then came the massed pipes and drums, marching in formation, a stirring, goosebump-inducing moment. Lily, inspired, planned to 'practice her drum' when we got home. We weren't quite as enthusiastic about that. We settled into the hillside to watch the heavy events – shot put, wrestling, and the one we'd waited for: the Highlander's Dash. I was told this foot race involved Highlanders sprinting down hills in full regalia; but it was a loop around the arena, and though it lacked the steep descent I'd expected, the energy was no less electric. Later, it was time for the family races. Lily, only three, was too young for the youngest category and distraught that she couldn't compete in the events she'd been watching all day. I tried to take her to the start line with the hope they'd make an exception, but she got shy halfway there and backed out, so I decided to step in for the adult races instead. Now, let me clarify: I thought this was a short sprint. Turns out, it was a full lap around the arena. Not ideal when you're in the '40s' category and wearing big boots. After missing the starting gun (chatting to a steward in a kilt – understandable distraction), I joined the race, overtaken by 30-somethings as I gasped my way to the finish. But I crossed it – proudly, breathlessly – earning Lily's applause and a valuable parenting win: showing up and joining in. Between the races, we stopped for coffee and churros, watched the Highland dancers on a nearby stage, and later, sought out our own little patch of grass for our own family races so Lily could win (every time). Before heading home, we wandered up to the Hercules Garden, a beautifully restored 18th-century walled garden with ornamental bridges, lily ponds, and classical statues. Once abandoned, it was brought back to life in the 20th century. As we explored, Lupins in full bloom, Lily – still riding high on our foraging tour from a previous visit – tried to eat every plant she could reach. We gently suggested otherwise. Back in the arena, the caber toss was in full swing – massive tree trunks hoisted and hurled with skill and strength. One competitor's failed toss prompted Lily's sage analysis: 'He hasn't been eating enough salad.' Her logic? 'Salad makes you strong.' She eats her salad, so it must be true. As the final rain of the day soaked us through, we bundled into the car, wet clothes discarded, heat blasting, and hearts full. The Atholl Gathering had delivered everything: history, hilarity, community, and a deep sense of connection – not just to Scotland, but to something older, prouder, and enduring. If you've never been, go. Bring your waterproofs. And bring cash. Burntisland Highland Games – Monday, July 21 Burntisland Links, Fife Recognised as the second oldest Highland Games in the world, Burntisland's event combines traditional athletic contests with modern attractions. Visitors can witness heavyweight events, Highland dancing, and solo piping, all set against a scenic coastal backdrop. Crieff Highland Gathering – Sunday, August 17 Market Park, Crieff Known as Scotland's leading Highland Games, this gathering offers a comprehensive program of events. From heavyweight competitions and Highland dancing to cycling races and massed pipe bands, the day culminates in the stirring Salute to the Chieftain Strathmore Highland Games – Sunday, June 8 Glamis Castle, Angus Set against the majestic backdrop of Glamis Castle,attendees can enjoy traditional heavy events, Highland dancing, and piping competitions, all within the castle's historic grounds. Pitlochry Highland Games – Saturday, September 13 Recreation Ground, Pitlochry Concluding the Highland Games season, Pitlochry's event is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and scenic location. The day includes traditional athletic events, Highland dancing, piping competitions, and a grand parade of pipe bands.


The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
LA28 officials expect Trump administration to honor promises for Games
The ban, scheduled to go into effect Monday, is likely to be challenged in court. "I actually want to thank the federal government for recognizing that it's the Games writ large," Wasserman said. "It's the constituents of people -- the IOC members here this week and, for the next three years, the cadence of people from federations and governing bodies and (National Olympic Committees) and broadcasters -- that you know so well as they've come to the city pre-Games and during the Games. It's very clear that the federal government understands that that's an environment that they will be accommodating and provide for. "And so we have great confidence that that will only continue," Wasserman added. "It has been the case to date, and it will certainly be the case going forward and through the Games." Los Angeles and U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee officials signed a contract with the IOC in 2017 that promised, among other things, temporary entry to the United States "without limitation" for "representatives, employees or other persons acting on behalf of, or representing" the IOC, National Olympic Committees, international sport federations, rights-holding broadcasters, marketing partners, media and the Games' official timekeeper. "We at the IOC have every confidence in the fact that the local authorities and the federal authorities understand that bringing the Games to your country is a big responsibility. It is 206 countries that are preparing to come to the Games," Nicole Hoevertsz, an IOC vice president who chairs the LA28 coordination commission, said. Those 206 countries include some that would be banned by Trump's order. Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen are the countries banned while partial suspensions apply to Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. "The federal government has given us that guarantee ... to make sure that these participants will be able to enter the country," Hoevertsz added. "... We are very confident that this is going to be accomplished." While athletes and others affiliated with the Los Angeles Games might be exempt from the ban, it says nothing about fans who ordinarily travel for the Olympics and World Cup. In addition to the 2028 Olympics, the United States is co-hosting the men's World Cup next summer with Canada and Mexico. But Wasserman said he doesn't anticipate the travel ban affecting ticket sales, answering with a flat "No" when he was asked about the possibility.