Former provost rubbed shoulders with royalty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

The local councillor was among 1,200 members of the public who received a 'gold dust' invite to the social event of the year at Windsor Castle.

Robert, who was joined by his partner Margaret, says it is a day he will never forget.

He was in close quarters with a host of celebrities, including Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney and his wife Amal, and the film and TV star Idris Elba, Manchester United legend David Beckham and his wife Victoria as well as comedian James Corden.

Robert, 64, said: "It felt like the whole world was in Windsor.

"It was just wall-to-wall with people.

"It's something that I will remember for the rest of my life."

Robert was nominated to attend the Royal Wedding by the Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark, in recognition of his efforts to welcome the Queen to Greenock on her Diamond Jubilee year.

He said: "After we got through security, I asked one of the castle staff where the best place would be to stand and he told me to go to a particular corner as everyone would walk past there.

"I think we had the best seats in the house.

"David Beckham walked right by us - he was laughing as the crowd were asking Victoria to smile.

"George Clooney also walked past and I shouted 'come on, George I need to get a picture to take up the road!' so he was smiling.

"Idris Elba also heard me shouting on him and James Corden looked over.

"I saw Prince Andrew and Princess Anne as well as John Major and his wife and the rugby star Jonny Wilkinson."

Robert said he has never experienced an atmosphere quiet like it.

He added: "When we arrived on Friday, Windsor was absolutely heaving, there were people everywhere.

"You could see people camping out and every pub was jumping.

"On the morning of the wedding every single street had a party going on - it was a carnival atmosphere."

Robert, who wore a kilt to the wedding, also proudly displayed a special pin badge which was given to him by Port schoolgirl Erin Stuart who suffers from Crohn's.

She was keen to raise awareness of World Inflammatory Bowel Disease day which fell on the same day as the wedding.

He said: "Lots of people asked about the badge so I told them all about Erin and how she is raising awareness of Crohn's and Colitis UK."

On his return home, Robert presented Erin, 11, with a special souvenir of the wedding - a sought-after gift bag containing the order of service and other items such as a chocolate coin, fridge magnet and badge.

Erin said: "It was a very nice surprise, I'm over the moon with it.

"I watched the wedding on TV and the best bit was seeing Meghan's dress."