Gourock

Gourock is a town and civil parish in the council area of Inverclyde in western Scotland. It sits on the south shore of the Clyde estuary, facing Greenock across the water, and lies at the eastern end of the Cowal peninsula. The town developed as a maritime and railway hub and is part of the Glasgow metropolitan area.

Transport and connectivity are central to Gourock. Gourock railway station on the Inverclyde Line provides regular services to Glasgow, with onward connections to the wider Scottish network. The town is also a ferry terminus for Caledonian MacBrayne, offering vehicle and passenger sailings to Dunoon across the Clyde, which provides a key link to Cowal. The A8 road serves Gourock and links it with Greenock and the region’s broader road network.

History and development. Gourock originated as a small fishing village and harbour and expanded in the 19th century through steamship services and maritime activity. The seafront and harbour area became focal points for leisure and commerce, and the town grew as a commuter centre for Glasgow in the 20th century. Administratively, Gourock is part of Inverclyde, having previously been associated with Renfrewshire before the creation of Inverclyde in 1996.

Facilities and local character. Gourock retains a coastal town character with a long promenade and harbour area. Notable local features include the Gourock Outdoor Pool, a historic seawater pool on the seafront, along with parks, a small shopping centre, and educational and community facilities. The town’s maritime setting continues to shape its economy, culture, and daily life.