GALOSHAN giants have been gallivanting around Greenock to inspire a new generation of guisers.

Inverclyde's annual Galoshans Festival kicked off on Friday as RIG Arts paraded their stunning latest creations - Granny Kempock and Dr Brown the plague doctor - down West Blackhall Street.

The team were handing out leaflets to local shop owners, residents and shoppers on the busy Greenock street to promote the fortnight of spooky fun which involves a whole host of events centred around local Hallowe'en traditions.

Watch the video of them in action by visiting https://www.facebook.com/greenocktelegraph/videos/301095738531622

This year the arts festival - which has been running since 2014 - will be bringing back in-person events such as art installations, film, live music and theatre to the community after going online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Karen Orr, of Rig Arts, is delighted to see Galoshans return.

She said: "This is the festival's seven year and it continues to go from strength to strength.

"Our partners are CVS Inverclyde, the Beacon Arts Centre, Magic Torch Comics and Inverclyde Libraries, all of whom are contributing events and ideas.

"There are lots of different things going on with some online too for those who want to take part in that way.

"There is great stuff on digital platforms, in-person, inside and out. There is something for all ages, with many of the events being free, thanks to our funders."

The theme of this year's festival is 'climate' to link with the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26, which begins in Glasgow this Sunday.

Karen added: "The 2021 Galoshans programme offers inspiring creative opportunities with community participation at the core, featuring a range of local and national artists collaborating with the public to create work relating to the theme."

To see the full listing of events, visit galoshansfestival.com