Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on the town of Gourock ( pop 11,500).This is located on the south bank of the River Clyde, about 26 miles (42 km) west of Glasgow.

Kempock Place

(Above image shows statue depicting young girl (from bygone days) on suitcase. She is about to embark on holiday to destinations down the River Clyde, e.g. Isle of Bute and Isle of Arran.)

Information on Gourock

• The name is a phonetic version of the Gaelic  word guireag which means ‘a pimple’ in turn referring to the rounded hill behind the town.
• A linear village existed in the 1600s at which time fishing was important.
• Location is strategic, at the confluence of Gare Loch and Loch Long with the River Clyde. On opposite side of the Clyde are popular destinations of Helensburgh, Kilcreggan and Dunoon. Gourock was and remains a base  for ferry transport.
• Gourock is essentially residential. Housing grew after the arrival of the railway in 1889.
• Administrative area is Inverclyde.
• Church: Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church (Presbyterian)
• Museum: McLean Museum & Art Gallery.
• Transport:The town is served by rail, bus and ferries.
• Excellent views can be obtained from atop Tower Hill.
• Sailing: Royal Gourock Yacht Club.
• Golf: Gourock Golf Club
• There are hotels and other facilities consistent with a popular seaside town. These include an outdoor swimming pool.

Firth of Clyde from Gourock

Cove Road

Cove Road

Albert Hotel

More information for the visitor

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains a section on the Clyde coast plus a wide range of information covering the whole of Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.