Emerging from the winter weather, the first highland games of the season would have been held in Inverclyde had it not been for the flu pandemic which is currently sweeping the globe. The games, which attract around 10,000 people from far and wide, are a highlight of the Inverclyde calendar of events and their postponement comes a great disappointment to organisers, participants and eager, would-be spectators. The Telegraph would normally carry a double page picture spread featuring the games so, by way of consolation, we take a look back to Gourock Highland Games of the past and hope to see their return soon.

Pic1:

​Finding tossing the caber more than he bargained for, 90's TV personality and games chieftain Jeremy Beadle got his back into lifting the giant pole for the Tele camera. Mr Beadle was the consummate professional and spent a good deal of time doing the rounds to meet people who had come to spectate and take part in the games of 2003.

Pic2:

Taken at the 2005 Gourock Highland games, this picture gives some idea of the crowds that turned out in summer weather to see the wide variety of attractions which included music, dance and a host of sporting competition. Today, the games, now held in Greenock's Battery Park, still attract a full programme of events, offering something for everyone who comes along.

Pic3:

The skirl of the pipes was loudly heard as these contestants tuned up for their appearance at the 2008 Gourock Highland Games. Weather on the day was perfect and helped make the games a great success. Record crowds turned out and people were not disappointed when they were treated to a great day's entertainment.

Pic4:

​Sporting many colours which brightened a picture spread featuring the Gourock Highland games of 2010, this group of dancers posed up for a quick picture before competing in the day's highland dance events.

Pic5:

Attracting people from all around, the Gourock Highland Games helps put Inverclyde firmly on the map as a place to visit in summer months. The games of 1995 had a special visitor who had come to spread word of the games to her homeland. This pic shows Japanese TV presenter Kumiko Tsunoda join pipers Keith Bowes and son Keith, as she tried her hand at belting out a rousing tune as part of a programme made on Scottish culture and the day's events.