EXCITEMENT is building for Inverclyde’s first Galoshans Festival.

Galoshans, or guisers, have roamed the streets of Inverclyde for generations on Hallowe’en.

Provost Robert Moran, whose birthday falls on that haunting date, is among many looking forward to events running from 30 October to 1 November, including performances and surprises in the parks, streets, shops and even on the Clyde.

Lots of of money and work is going into this celebration to help promote Inverclyde to the wider world.

It was suggested by Rikki Payne, creative producer of ‘Place’, a partnership involving Inverclyde Council, Creative Scotland and the Beacon Arts Centre.

Musicians and performers from across Inverclyde and Europe will perform at the Beacon on 31 October, and on the same day, a giant cardboard tower will be erected in Clyde Square by an artist from Marseille.

There will also be street parades and performers on local trains, although it remains to be seen what the unsuspecting passengers will make of the entertainment!

Place is organising it with Glasgow-based international outfit, UZ Arts, who received a grant of £160,000 from Creative Scotland and £20,000 from Inverclyde Council to stage the festival.

Discover Inverclyde and Inverclyde Tourism Group are also contributing, and Greenock Chamber of Commerce have voiced strong support.

The involvement of schools will be crucial in getting families on board to make it an entertainingly scary weekend to remember.

And we don’t want to hear any American ‘trick or treat’ stuff . . . it’s traditional ‘galoshans’ forever!