Nostalgic memories of Gourock's local history
Share your own memories of Gourock and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 11 in total
Used to go fishing down that end of the pier on Saturday mornings. When we were bored with that we would mess about with the turntable or sit in the guard's van that was left in a siding. Maybe try to light a fire in the burner with some of the BR paperwork left in it to warm us up.
The picture house was nicknamed the Swimming Pool, because of all the breaststrokers. Ritchies ferry was great and could be depended upon unlike the farce of a ferry which now only operates when there is no wind and no waves. I remember when Rab Ritchie would stop for a wee bit of fishing if he was quiet! Nowadays a rowing boat would provide a better service. (well nearly). They have even emasculated the formerly reliable service to Dunoon, never mind Blairmore! Progress backwards.
My grandparents, Thomas Wilfred Hobbs and Jane McCurdy, were married in St Ninians chapel in 1918. My father, Thomas Elgar Hobbs, was born in Gourock in 1920. I was hoping that I may have relatives in the area, I am Thomas Elgars daughter, Theresa nee Hobbs. Many thanks.
Actually this is not my memory, rather my brother's, now deceased. My brother was a Sick Bay Attendant stationed at HMS Rosneath. At the time many troops were coming back home with all sorts of injuries, he collected from HMS Vanguard amongst other vessels which were transferred to the sick bay for attention. In his time off he would call in to HE Cox's Bakery.
He also witnessed the German Battleship ...see more
This is where I was born, the street has barely changed. I lived there with my parents and sister, we lived there until we moved to the prefabs in Midton. Only a couple of properties on the other side have been demolished, it was so safe to play on the streets as there was hardly any traffic.I can see the close where I lived just behind the boys.
Was this previously John Haddow's Cloch House Hotel? My Great Great Grandfather was John Haddow and I am trying to follow up our family tree. There are many mentions of the Cloch House Hotel in the Greenock Advertiser which had been owned by John Haddow. Regards Richard Budniak
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 ...see more
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 ...see more
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.
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.