Amongst the popular events were the heavyweights, track and field, solo piping and Highland dancing – attracting 1,700 visitors.

The organisers were delighted with the success of the day, despite numbers being slightly down, because of competition from the new Helensburgh Summer Fest and the start of the Glasgow Fair fortnight.

And it was an international affair with people visiting from the local area as well as Australia, Canada and the US.

Robert MacIntyre, chairman, said: “The phrases I have heard most often when talking to visitors and competitors are “what a brilliant day” and “it is great to see so many families with children having fun together”.

“I was very pleased to welcome back 14 members of the Kathy White School of Dance from British Columbia in Canada who competed here two years ago and tell me they were determined to return and compete again. We also welcomed a coach party from the Rangers Founders Club. They were visiting the grave of founding member Moses McNeil who is buried in the cemetery of Rosneath’s St Modan’s Church and came to join us for the afternoon and have lunch as part of their day.

“The Gathering celebrated its 35th anniversary this year which is an amazing feat given that it is organised and run by volunteers and funded by sponsorship from local businesses and organisations.

“There are so many people that must be thanked for their support including our Chieftain this year, Captain Alistair Willis Royal Navy, Captain HM Naval Base Clyde and HMS Neptune.

“He told me how proud he was to be invited to be our Chieftain and it gave him an excellent opportunity to explore his own Scottish roots as his grandfather was a shipbuilder across the Clyde in Greenock. He has worked tirelessly today on our behalf and I am very grateful to him. I also want to thank the Helensburgh Clan Colquhoun Band for their excellent contribution to the day.” Captain Willis together with his wife and children enjoyed the Gathering, he added: “I feel greatly honoured to be here today at this wonderful event put on by the members of the local community but being shared by people from across the world.

“And everyone is having such a great time. As Captain of the Naval Base, a near neighbour to the Peninsula, I consider that I too am part of this community and I am very proud to be Chieftain 2014.

“The Naval Base, together with our partners Babcock Marine Clyde, are always pleased to be able to show a commitment to the local and wider community and today has given me the opportunity to meet and talk to so many people.

“I have huge admiration for the dedication of the athletes, dancers and pipers competing here today.

“It has been a real pleasure to present the prizes and have the opportunity to talk with the competitors and I am genuinely surprised to find such a high level of international competition represented here. It really has been a wonderful day and my family and I have had what was promised – a great family fun day out.”