TARTAN titans from across the world are preparing to flex their muscles at the Gourock Highland Games this weekend.

The final countdown is on for Sunday's showpiece, with crowds set to descend on Battery Park to enjoy the competitions and pipe band contest.

Pete Hart from New Zealand and Polish born Lucas Wenta, who is last year's defending champion, are among the athletes who will battle it out across a range of events including the caber toss and lifting the Kempock Stane.

Provost Martin Brennan said: "Gourock Highland Games holds a unique position in Scotland as it traditionally marks the start of the Scottish season.

"Having so many grade one bands in competition is a fantastic chance for visitors to see some of the top performing bands in the country as we celebrate the start of the Highland Games and Piping season for 2018."

Teenage Inverclyde sports star Rhys McCole, who is the youngest ever chieftain of the games, is also looking forward to the event.

He said: "Being Chieftain is a great privilege and something I'll cherish forever.

"I am looking forward to a great day, hopefully with good weather."

Alongside the pipe band competitions and traditional highland games, the event also hosts the West of Scotland Highland Dance Championships and the Inverclyde Active Schools mini highland games involving local schoolchildren.

The event will also feature a 'come and try sports' platform, with a range of free activities on offer from Gourock Community Sports Hub.

Fairground rides, children’s activities, vintage fire engines and a wide range of food and community stalls will add to the entertainment for people of all ages.

The Highland Games are organised by Inverclyde Council and supported by River Clyde Homes, Inverclyde Active Schools, Taste Inverclyde, Riverside Inverclyde and Gourock Community Sports Hub and Parkdean Resorts.

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.

Entry is from noon and the event culminates with the Chieftain’s march past, which is expected to start at 5.30pm.