Gourock

Read and share memories of Gourock and Renfrewshire inspired by Frith photos

Cloch lighthouse

My father Peter Gordon, was born in the Cloch lighthouse as his father was principle lighthouse keeper at the time. He used to tell me he jumped out of his bedroom window and go for  swim. I was born in London and only once managed to get up to Scotland to see the lighthouse. Unfortunately my father died in 1969 when I was still young so did not get much detailed information about his early life. Wish I had known more. I believe the lighthouse is privately owned now. How I wish I could see inside it.
Contributed by Helena Pigott

Childhood Memories

My mother Irene Kennedy was born in Gourock 1921 - I spent many happy times with my grandparents who lived in Ashburn Gardens - my father was overseas at the time - visting the baker shop, the coal merchant near the station as a child to see the coal in trays - and sticks in bundles - playing on the sea front - standing at the window waiting to see my grandfather walking home from work. My best friend was Jessie Richie - her dad used run the ferry - Rab Ritchie and brother Robert Arthur - also lived at Ashburn Gardens.
My Grandmother used serve teas at the docks for the troops at Greenock during the war. Sadly my mother ...read more here
Contributed by carol kennedy

Gourock my home always

I was born in Gourock in 1960 and lived there until I married and moved to the States. I love living here but my heart belongs to Gourock and seeing these pictures brings me home again. My life growing up there is the happiest by far in my lifetime so far. Playing with my brothers and sister and of course the 20 other kids from my street, at the pool, Darroch park and the tower hill. I hope to bring my grandkids there one day to explore like I did.
Contributed by First Name Last Name

ferry trip

mum and dad and i used to go on the ferry from kilcreggan to gourock . we went to the cinema there, it was called the tower. we had tea and scones at a cafe on the front.they were wonderful times. i lived in rosneath for about a year , because my dad was stationed at the barracks there . they were great times for a young lad.
Contributed by nigel holgate

Granny Kempocks Stone

I moved from Port Glasgow when I was 5 to live with my gran. She had a small two room flat on Kempock Street just below Granny Kempock's Stone.  I seem to recall that you went through an opening/archway which took you through into a large open space which I think used to be old stables and it was from here there were stairs that took you up to the flat. I also remember the Continental Cafe was just across the road from the flat. There was a small alleyway that took you up the step hill to Granny Kempock's, and we used to go this way when we were going to school. I lived here for a year or so ...read more here
Contributed by Carol Cassin(McManus)