PLANS are afoot to move the Gourock Highland Games to Greenock permanently.

The annual event was switched from Gourock Park to Battery Park in May in a bid to breathe new life into it and mark its 60th anniversary.

Inverclyde Council officials also made it free entry to try and boost attendance figures which had been on the slide for a number of years.

Bosses say the changes proved a masterstroke with around 10,000 visitors coming along – the largest crowd for a long time.

They are now proposing to keep the event free and continue hosting it in Greenock.

In a report to councillors, George Barbour, the local authority’s communications manager, said: “The council agreed for the 60th anniversary games a move to nearby Battery Park, a larger location with space for expansion and to make the event free entry.

“The event was delivered successfully in May 2016 with one if its highest attendances in recent years.”

A survey was carried out after the games with 86 per cent of the 255 respondents saying they had a ‘very good’ or ‘good’ experience.

Council officials say the permanent switch of venue will allow for an expansion of the event, including the roll-out of the mini Highland games to all Inverclyde schools.

Councillors will now be asked to approve the new venue and a continuation of the free entry policy.

The changes will cost almost £4,000 each year.

Mr Barbour said: “The larger location highlighted areas for potential growth in future years and all feedback for the new venue is positive.”