Kempock Street, Gourock's main street, takes its name from a 6ft tall slab of grey mica shist which sits just a short walk from the town centre and is called the Granny Kempock Stone, due to its uncanny resemblance to an old hunched woman wearing a hood or cloak

The Rev David McCrae wrote in 1880 "It was chiefly in connection with the winds and sea that the Kempoch Stane was regarded with superstitious dread … sailors and fishermen were wont to take a basketful of sand from the shore and walk seven times round Granny Kempoch, chanting a weird song to ensure for themselves a safe and prosperous voyage."

Legend has it that in 1662 Mary Lamont plotted with the devil to toss the stone into the sea, bringing catastrophy and failure to the fishing fleet. She was tried and found guilty of the crime and was burned to death. Some say on a full moon you can still see her dancing with the devil round the stone. For those brave enough to visit Granny Kempock stone it sits above Kempock Street and up a narrow winding flight of stairs linking Kempock Street with John Street.

Many of the visitors to Gourock whether arriving by train at Gourock Station or one of the Caledonian Macbrayne Ferries head, West into the heart of the town.

The visitor is surprised to find a collection of small boutiques, cafes, pubs and galleries, selling everything from upmarket wines and spirits to computer games which keep the children happy.

Another fabulous attraction to the town apart from the views and shops is the open air heated swimming pool. Gourock Pool is open from early May until September and with the water being heated to a temperature of 82 degrees farenheight you can enjoy a dip in it no matter what the weather !.

Head further West along the grand Victorian promenade, and you come to the Royal Gourock Yacht Club, where some of the worlds finest yachtsmen began their careers.