THERE was an international flavour to Inverclyde over the past week on the football field and in the world of music.

Representatives from no less than Real Madrid and Arsenal descended on Cappielow to see how head groundsman Mark Farrell keeps Morton’s hallowed turf in such tip-top condition.

You might think those in charge of the grass at the Bernabeu Stadium in

Madrid and pitches in London would know all there is to know, but they are always looking to improve and, frankly, to learn from one of the best in the business.

This was a tremendous accolade for Mark, who keeps a meticulous record of every time the turf is trimmed and treated.

He may not have a name for each single blade of grass at the Sinclair Street ground, but those familiar with his dedication wouldn’t put it past him!

Meanwhile, a bust of a world famous Greenock-born musician was unveiled in the McLean Museum.

Henri Temianka was a virtuoso violinist and conductor who was born 110 years ago, and died at the age of 85 in Los Angeles.

His father was a Minister in Greenock, and Henri studied violin in European cities and Philadelphia before becoming concertmaster of the Scottish Orchestra and creating the California Chamber Symphony Orchestra.

It was a generous and fitting gesture for the Temianka family to donate the bust to the museum, and remind everyone of Henri’s significant contribution to music over many years.