Gilmour started his career with Shaw Cross Sharks, had a spell at Thornhill Trojans, and played for Dewsbury Moor before signing for Wigan Warriors.

As Super League VI champions, the Bradford Bulls played against 2001 NRL Premiers, the Newcastle Knights in the 2002 World Club Challenge.

St Helens reached the 2006 Super League Grand final to be contested against Hull FC, and Gilmour played as a second-row in Saints' 26-4 victory.

Gilmour gained true international repute when during the 2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations he scored the decisive try in the Lions' 23-12 win in Aussie Stadium in 2006.

[10] In June 2012 Gilmour negotiated an early release from his Huddersfield Giants contract and went on to sign a two-year deal with the Castleford Tigers.