THE end of the pandemic is dawning too late this year for many of the events that attract visitors to Inverclyde from far and wide. This month should have seen the return of the much-loved Gourock Highland Games but sadly this big crowd drawer has been cancelled for the second year running due to the social distancing measures still required to stem the spread of coronavirus. This picture was taken as the world-famous Golden Lions Army Parachute Team were welcomed to Inverclyde in 2008 by provost Michael McCormick after they made a spectacular decent into Gourock Park in front of record crowds.

THE Gourock Park Pavilion offered the perfect viewpoint for this picture of the competing pipe bands as they massed for the march-past finale of the 2004 Gourock Highland Games.

THIS shot features pupils of Gourock Primary School practicing their highland dancing skills in their playground in preparation for the games of 2010.

NO Highland Games is complete without a hard-fought tug o' war battle. Teams put their full weight into the contest as they struggled against each other and the muddy ground back in 2003.

IN recent years, the Gourock Highland Games has been successfully held in Greenock's Battery Park, drawing large crowds of spectators and competitors. This pic shows the march-past, set against the river and hills beyond that made the perfect backdrop to day's events.