THE Provost has been named as the chieftain of the 2019 Gourock Highland Games - as international entries for the event flood in.

Councillor Martin Brennan has been given the honour of presiding over the 63rd annual event at Battery Park on Sunday May 12.

It comes as Inverclyde Council officials reveal there has been huge overseas attention, from as far afield as America and Australia, for the traditional first Scottish Highland games of the season.

Mr Brennan said: "It's a real privilege and honour to be asked to be chieftain. "An honour like that comes as a surprise. "Young Rhys McCole acquitted himself very well last year and I hope I can live up to his example. "The 2018 event was a roaring success.

"I've never seen so many people of all ages in that park enjoying themselves so much - and relatively cheaply too. "The weather was outstanding and showed Inverclyde at its very best."

Some 10,000 people are estimated to have enjoyed the 2018 showpiece, which featured a series of heavyweight competitions, pipe band contests, Highland dancing, fairground rides, stalls and food and drink stands.

Officials from the council, which organises the event, say they have been inundated with enquiries from people around the world.

A local authority spokesman said: "In the run-up to the games we get lots of calls from visitors looking for information about the event and how to get here. "This year most of our calls, emails and many of our social media messages have been from international visitors. "In recent weeks we've been contacted from as far afield as France, America and Australia from visitors planning a trip to Scotland and looking to attend the games. "Some already have plans to travel and are choosing to take in the games during their trip. "There seems to be a growing number of people planning the dates of their trip to Scotland to coincide with the Gourock Highland Games. "The games hold a special place in the Scottish diary and we are delighted that international visitors are joining us to mark the start of the Scottish season here in Inverclyde."

The 63rd annual Gourock Games take place on Sunday May 12.

The gates open at noon and it is free entry.