A FORMER nurse and much-loved Guide leader says she’s honoured to be the next chieftain of Gourock Highland Games.
Gourock resident Sandra McColl said being made chieftain of the games is up there with the honours she’s received in her career as a nurse for the NHS and as a Guide leader.
The mum-of-two has been involved with the Brownie and Guides Association since she was just seven years old and inspired her two daughters to follow in her footsteps and become Guide leaders as well.
Sandra said: “I was very surprised and delighted to be asked to be the chieftain of this year’s Gourock Highland Games.
“The Guides always have a stall at the games so we’ve been going for years. It’s always a great day and the whole community comes out to support it. Being the chieftain means this year will be even more special.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved and seeing lots of my former Guides and their families there on the day. Let the games begin!”
This year’s event takes place in Battery Park, Greenock, on Sunday 11 May from noon till 6pm and is free to attend.
Sandra was joined by Provost of Inverclyde, Drew McKenzie, young dancers from May Hughes School of Dance and heavy competitors Elizabeth Elliot and Brian Doherty to officially launch this year’s games at Battery Park.
Provost McKenzie said: “I’m delighted Sandra has found time in her busy schedule to be the chieftain of this year’s games.
“Sandra has been an inspiration to so many girls and young women through her involvement with the 27th Greenock Guides and I was pleased to be able to give her a long service award for her 50 years’ service last year.
“Gourock Highland Games are the first Highland Games of the season and are a flagship event for us here in Inverclyde. It’s always well attended and I’m sure this year will be no different.
“The day promises something for everyone to enjoy with a packed schedule. I can’t wait to see the crowds along for another great day on the shores of the Clyde at Battery Park.”
The games will include traditional heavy events like tossing the caber and hammer-throwing and will continue to include female competitors after their introduction last year was hailed a success.
The games will also feature Highland dancing and piping, as well as arts and crafts stalls with creative makers from across Scotland, local traders and community groups. There will be a great selection of street food, baked goods and drinks.
Inverclyde Council’s library service will be delivering fun, family-friendly activities throughout the day including their popular Bookbug sessions for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and families.
Inverclyde Active Schools’ mini Highland Games will involve youngsters from local schools, and there will be fun for the whole family including fair rides, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and more.
The games are organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association (RSHGA). Charlie Murray, chair of the RSHGA, said: “It is an honour to work with the team from Inverclyde Council in delivering the first Games on the calendar season, Gourock Highland Games.
“I look forward to welcoming the athletes and this year’s chieftain on her arrival to the heavy weight arena.”
