Claire Amber Young

A 33-year-old man was taken to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after being found seriously injured on Inverkip Road in Greenock at around 5 p.m. on August 11. Emergency services attended, and a heavy police presence remained in the area for several hours. Police Scotland confirmed the incident, while the newspaper sought further updates.

Archived photographs of primary one pupils and teachers from Inverclyde schools in 2006 are presented, featuring St Francis, Inverkip, Wemyss Bay and Langbank primaries. Readers are invited to identify themselves, friends and former teachers, with more photographs promised for the following week.

Scott McLuskey admitted repeatedly striking a woman on the head in a 2022 assault at a Bo’ness address, as well as accessing her phone, withholding it and making abusive remarks. The victim suffered concussion, bruising and retrograde amnesia, while two children were present during part of the incident. After failing to complete unpaid work and missing court twice, McLuskey received a community payback order requiring £3,000 compensation, 200 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and two years of social-work supervision, with his progress to be reviewed after three months.

Inverkip mother Nicole McKenzie, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis after the birth of her daughter Millie, is raising around £60,000 for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. She hopes the treatment will slow the illness and preserve her independence, although it is not a cure. The Fitness Factory in Port Glasgow, run by former Morton player Chris Millar and Gary Pettigrew, is organizing a community games event on August 29, with entry fees, donations and sponsorships going toward Nicole’s treatment.

Work is continuing to remove trees, shrubs and other greenery around the Bullring roundabout and car park in Greenock, including areas near Tesco. Part of the roundabout and the road outside Oak Mall are closed, with drivers diverted via Container Way and Laird Street to reach Dalrymple Street and Gourock.

Archival photographs recall the history of the Vennel, a narrow commercial street in central Greenock that expanded rapidly after the West Harbour was built in 1707. Once home to merchants, shops and services, the area deteriorated in the nineteenth century, becoming overcrowded and unsanitary. Improvement legislation led to the clearance and demolition of the Vennel from 1878 onward, with modern council housing later built in its place, although the area remains fondly remembered and the name survives in other Scottish towns.

Stevie Gavin, a 54-year-old Greenock businessman, has spent more than two decades running Rubbish2Go, providing house clearances and waste uplifts across Inverclyde. After the local Ardgowan Hospice furniture shop closed, he established Thistle Help in 2020 to sell donated furniture cheaply and use the proceeds to stock an in-store foodbank. Gavin credits his family and local community for inspiring his work ethic and business success. He plans to semi-retire in November while passing the businesses on to his children and grandchildren, but intends to remain involved.

Inverclyde MP Martin McCluskey is calling for Scottish businesses to receive support comparable to planned business-rate reductions for pubs, social clubs and live-music venues in England. He argues that Scottish hospitality businesses face a concerning disadvantage and continued financial pressure. MSP Stuart McMillan responds that Scotland has a different rates system and that many small businesses already benefit from the Small Business Bonus Scheme. Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce supports a competitive rates environment, saying it would boost confidence, investment, employment and town-centre regeneration.

The Greenock Telegraph revisits its archives to share Primary One class photographs taken in 2006 at Highholm, Skelmorlie and Kilmacolm primary schools in Inverclyde. The feature invites former pupils and their friends to identify themselves and promises additional photographs the following week.

Kilmarnock-based artist Kenny Brown returned to Gourock to exhibit his colourful paintings at McGilp's pop-up shop. Inspired by childhood memories of Arran and his long association with Lochranza, Brown began painting seriously after retiring following decades of visiting galleries. He describes his work as an instinctive, colour-driven process focused on personal expression rather than conventional drawing or composition.

Original Artists in Gourock hosted a screen-printing workshop led by Print Clan CIC, giving visitors of all ages and abilities the chance to create £2 tote bags featuring the Cloch lighthouse. The event coincided with an exhibition of work by Print Clan’s timebankers, artists who exchange studio support for access to workspace and opportunities. Original Artists owner Lisa Keogh described the workshop as a successful addition to Inverclyde’s arts scene, while Print Clan co-founder Arianna Mele highlighted the timebankers’ creative contributions and pathways to paid work.

Kilmacolm and Whinhill primary schools in Inverclyde still have shared toilet areas, despite Scottish Government guidance requiring separate facilities for boys and girls following a Court of Session ruling. Freedom of Information responses collected by For Women Scotland indicate that 126 schools across 14 Scottish local authorities retain some form of mixed-sex sanitary provision. Inverclyde Council says it will alter the two schools’ facilities so that washing areas are located inside individual enclosed toilet spaces.

Former West Scotland MSP Jamie Greene describes the difficulty of adjusting to private life after losing his Scottish Parliament seat, following nearly a decade in a highly stressful public role. After defecting from the Conservatives to the Liberal Democrats in 2025, he says losing office has given him greater freedom to discuss politics objectively. Greene has launched Kempock, an independent political advisory business offering strategic advice on devolved government, legislation and ethical lobbying. He also intends to remain involved in Inverclyde and support local causes and small businesses, while openly acknowledging the personal and financial risks of starting a new venture.

Greenock Princes Pier opened in 1869 as a railway station and steamer terminal, later serving as a major entry and departure point for British and American troops during the Second World War. Competition from Gourock services, declining passenger numbers, railway nationalisation and the movement of Clyde steamers to Gourock reduced its importance. Railway services ended in 1959, steamer calls ceased in 1965, and the station was demolished in 1967. The site was later redeveloped as Greenock Ocean Terminal, while most of the former railway route disappeared into tunnels, cuttings and later redevelopment.

Greenock councillor James Daisley is urging residents and ward councillors to support the future of Larkfield Community Hall and Youth Connections, warning that the facilities could face closure or decline without greater use and investment. Larkfield Housing Association is considering taking over the hall and proposes staffing it and opening it seven days a week, while seeking residents’ views through a survey. Inverclyde Council says no final decisions have been made and is reviewing facility conditions, usage and running costs amid limited public funds and wider building investment demands.

Port Glasgow fire station hosted a family fun day on July 18 to raise money for The Anchor, with all proceeds supporting low-barrier, non-clinical mental health and crisis services across Inverclyde. Families learned about firefighting through appliance tours, uniform try-ons, hose use and a chip-pan fire demonstration, while also taking part in games, face painting and other activities. The event was organised by Jen Dougan of The Anchor and Neil Goldie of the station.

Inverclyde Council is running free summer playschemes for primary pupils across several local schools and a resource centre from July 6 to July 31. Children at Lady Alice Primary School have taken part in sports, playground games, themed activities and water fights, with sessions designed to keep them active, encourage friendships and provide structure during the school holidays. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require booking.