About Gourock

Gourock (Guireag in Scottish Gaelic -- which means pimple shaped or rounded) where I live and work is a burgh in Inverclyde, on the scenic West Coast of Scotland about thirty miles from Glasgow. It is positioned right on the coastline on the Firth of Clyde and has stunning views of Argyle and Bute across the water and to the imposing mountain ranges beyond that contain some of the highest peaks in Scotland. The Firth of Clyde is several miles wide by the time it reaches Gourock on its journey from Glasgow into the Irish Sea and abounds with islands both large and small. Scattered along its length are lochs that penetrate deep into the mainland enabling the oyster, mussel, and salmon farming that the area is renowned for. The Arrochar mountain range forms a backdrop and guarantees the Firth, lochs and associated coastal areas are frequently shrouded in mists that add to the mystery and atmosphere of the scenary.

Historically, Gourock was dependent on the shipbuilding and related marine industries that grew up along the length of Clydeside and many famous ships were built and launched in nearby Greenock. Like many Scottish seaside towns, Gourock's tourist heyday was in the latter half of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th and its ferry terminal and railway station ensured it was much favoured by the people of Glasgow and further afield. Although the ship building and related engineering marine engineering industries are now largely a thing of the past Gourock has developed into a busy residential community. It has also more recently become one of the arts and crafts centres in the West of Scotland due in part to the inspiration of the surrounding scenary, the quality of the light, and the support from within its thriving arts community. I hope that my range of jewellery reflects some of the beauty of the scenary and also perhaps some of the mystery and magical quality of the lochs and mountains that surround me and constantly inspire my work.

The megalithic Kempock Stone, popularly known as "Granny Kempock", stands on a cliff behind Kempock Street, the main shopping street in Gourock and where my shop is situated. The superstition associated with "Granny Kempock" was that for sailors going on a long voyage or a couple about to be married, walking seven times around the stone would ensure good fortune.
The main street is a busy place with many small independent shops offering a very personalised service and a range of products crafted by hand or sourced locally. If you are visiting the area please do stroll along Kempock Street and call in to see me at work.