SCHOOL pupil Cameron McGerr — who lost both his parents to heart conditions — has been announced as the chieftain for the 2026 Gourock Highland Games.
The 16-year-old Clydeview Academy student has been campaigning to get CPR introduced in secondary schools since the deaths of his mum Lynne and dad Kevin.
He took his campaign all the way to the Scottish Parliament when he addressed MSPs in the chamber last September.
A Gourock boy, Cameron attended the games as a child and in recent years as a member of the 2nd Gourock Boys Brigade
He said: “I’ve got lots of great memories of going to the Gourock Highland Games. Last year I helped at an archery stall with my BB company.
“The atmosphere is incredible, it feels really patriotic with the pipe bands and the setting.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting lots of people and seeing everything happen. It will be fun to see it from a different perspective. It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m honoured to be asked.”
This year’s games take place in Battery Park on Sunday 10 May from noon till 6pm and are free to attend.
Cameron was joined by the Provost of Inverclyde, Drew McKenzie, and young dancers from May Hughes School of Dance at Battery Park to mark his appointment.
Provost McKenzie said: “Cameron is an inspiring young man and he’s a fantastic choice to be the chieftain for this year’s games.
“He’s come through a lot in his young life and he’s using that as a force for good to empower other young people.
“I’m delighted he’s being given the chance to get his message to an even wider audience and he’ll be a great ambassador for the games.
“The Gourock Highland Games are the first Highland Games of the season and one of the first signs that winter is behind us and summer is on the way.
“Last year we had a record crowd down in Battery Park, helped of course by the great weather, and I’m sure this year will be no different.
“It was a great mix of locals, regular visitors and tourists coming for the first time to experience the day.
“I can’t wait to see the crowds along for another great day on the shores of the Clyde at Battery Park.”
The games will include traditional heavy events like tossing the caber and hammer throwing.
The event will also include Highland dancing and pipe band competitions, finishing with the iconic pipers’ march past.
Battery Park will be full of arts and crafts stalls featuring creative makers from across Scotland, local traders and community groups. There will also be a selection of street food, baked goods and drinks with something for all tastes.
The culture and heritage marquee will have a wide range of activities suitable for all ages including popular Bookbug sessions for wee ones and their families plus a look at the history of Gourock Outdoor Pool and also commemoration of the 85th anniversary of the Greenock Blitz with a silent disco featuring 1940s music.
There will be a new birds of prey stand and local Scouts will be serving up hot drinks and treats in the tea tent.
Inverclyde Active Schools’ mini Highland Games will involve youngsters from local schools, and there will be fun for the whole family including fair rides, a climbing wall, bungee trampolines and more.
The games are organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association.
