Gourock Highland Games

  • Stewart Conner

I had the pleasure to work on rebranding the graphics for the Gourock Highland Games, a large outdoor event that celebrates Scottish culture and traditions. It brings together people from all over the country to participate in major band and drum competitions, heavyweight events, highland dancing and many more activities for families to enjoy. The task at hand involved creating a fresh and engaging visual identity that would resonate with attendees and reflect the spirit of the event. To begin with, I conducted thorough research on the history of the Gourock Highland Games and the elements that make it unique. This helped me gain a deep understanding of the event's heritage and significance, allowing me to incorporate traditional motifs and colours into the new graphics while still giving them a modern twist. Inverclyde’s iconic James Watt Tartan features heavily on the designs, to give representation to the famous Scottish, Greenock born inventor James Watt. One of the key aspects of the rebranding process was designing aspects that would serve as the focal points of the event's visual identity. I wanted the design to feature the people who make the event what it is, and to also be versatile, memorable, and easily recognisable, so I experimented with different styles and iconography before settling on a design that captured the essence of the Highland Games. In addition to the rebranded look, I also worked on various promotional materials such as posters, banners, programmes people can use on the day and social media graphics. These materials needed to be eye-catching and informative, encouraging people to attend the event while maintaining a cohesive look and feel across all platforms. Overall, rebranding the graphics for the Gourock Highland Games was a rewarding experience that allowed me to blend creativity with cultural awareness. The new visual identity not only revitalised the event's image but also attracted a wider audience, ensuring its continued success for years to come.