08/10/2009 - Inverclyde Guides had planned a fun-packed programme of events to mark 100 years of guiding in the UK.

Girls of all ages were set to take part in everything from ice discos, cruises and ceilidhs to midnight swims, theatrical productions and camps — and the programme of events had something for everyone.

Leaders were delighted to see the girls putting their hearts and souls into the celebrations and hope the activities would help them have fun and learn new skills.

Greenock division commissioner Christine McLachlan had been part of the Guides for 37 years — and was very excited about what the centenary year held for them.

She said: “We have so many great things coming up. It will be a great year. “Guiding has changed over the years to meet the needs of girls today — that’s why we’re still here 100 years on.

“We have lots of enthusiastic Guides putting in lots of hours. Everyone is very committed to the cause.”

To get the celebrations off to a flying start, Inverclyde Guides took part in a show-stopping spectacular at the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley alongside youngsters from the rest of Renfrewshire County.

A total of 400 guiding members from the Greenock division joined 1,200 other youngsters in a night of sparkling entertainment.

Larkfield Guider Wilma Carroll piped in the grand parade of flags from all over the country to get the event off to a great start.

Talented performers from Splash Productions put on a great show and Guides from 27th Greenock performed a specially-choreographed routine on the centenary theme.

The fun-packed afternoon finished with the County Centenary Song — a piece composed by members of the centenary cast and Splash Productions.

Singing stars Random — 2nd Gourock Guides Rachel Adamson, Lucy Irvine and Rebecca Cameron — took to the stage to huge cheers from their division and put in a sparkling performance.

The girls had progressed up through the Rainbows, Brownies and Guides to become junior leaders and really enjoyed working with Inverclyde youngsters.