MEMBERS of the Greenock Division of Girlguiding UK have enjoyed a year of ‘mountaintop moments’ to mark the movement’s centenary.

And the 12 months of fun is set to come to a spectacular finale tonight at Greenock’s Battery Park with an evening of outdoor events.

District Commissioner Christine McLachlan said: “We are privileged to have so many dedicated leaders who are prepared to give their time and energies voluntarily to the girls within the Greenock division.

“We have units from Skelmorlie to Port Glasgow and, thanks to the leaders who have planned and carried out so many varied activities throughout our centenary year, we truly have provided ‘mountain top moments’ for every member of the Division. Girls have had the opportunity to participate in different opportunities.” The centenary celebrations began last September with 400 of the Greenock division travelling to the county launch at the Lagoon in Paisley.

October saw more than 500 girls and leaders enjoying an ice disco in the Waterfront in Greenock.

The Arts Guild in Greenock was the place to be in November when the cast of Guidespell performed five sell-out performances.

With Kenny Wilson, of Gang Show fame, as producer, and many members of Scouting helping more than 100 Guides, Brownies and leaders tread the boards to provide many ‘mountain top moments’.

In December, the Guides took over Waterfront Cinema, filling three halls during a visit. This year’s first event was a ceilidh in Greenock’s Town Hall when Guides danced the night away to the music of Jigadoon and then enjoyed a wonderful buffet provided by Tony Buckley.

To celebrate Thinking Day in February this year, more than 800 members, past and present, marched from the Esplanade to a lively celebration in Greenock Town Hall.

The spectacle of so many units with their flags and the sound of the two pipe bands brought many of the Sunday afternoon shoppers to a standstill.

Leaders had the opportunity to show-off their ten-pin bowling skills in Largs during an evening in March.

March also saw the opening of a fantastic display of Girlguiding history in the McLean Museum.

For six weeks the display captivated girls, leaders and past members from near and far as Guiding memorabilia was on show. It was a return to camping roots in May, with a Divisional Camp at Ardgowan Estate, thanks to Lady Shaw Stewart.

Many years ago, the first local guides to camp did so at Ardgowan.

The Waverley steamed into Princes Pier on 24 June and many of the 650 guiding members, with their family and friends were thrilled to see the Guide Flag flying from the ship.

The group was welcomed by the captain and crew, and the atmosphere on board made for a fantastic evening, with entertainment throughout the voyage from the Wherries.

Throughout Britain, the Trefoil Guild was asked to coordinate floral displays to mark the centenary.

Dorothy Thomson from Cloch Trefoil Guild, in conjunction with Inverclyde Council’s parks department, ensured Inverclyde had a beautiful floral display.

Not only have members participated in local celebrations, but the division has had one young leader represent Scotland at the centenary opening in Australia, a leader and a guide at an International Camp in Finland, girls and leaders at the Scottish centenary camp near Peebles and girls and leaders at the UK centenary camp and concert in England.

The year has also seen units plan their own trips across the UK and to Switzerland.

Christine said: “As Division Commissioner, I have had a very memorable year. It has been a privilege to be involved in so many exciting opportunities and to see first hand how active Guiding is within our division.

“The sheer numbers that have been involved have been overwhelming.

“It has been marvellous to see the excitement that members from five years old to adult have got from participating.”