Lord Lieutenant Guy Clark was sent to read a personal letter from Her Majesty which was specially couriered to a civic reception at the Municipal Buildings.

Letters of congratulations also came from Prime Minister David Cameron, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the Labour leader Ed Miliband, TV adventurer Bear Grylls, who is Chief Scout, as well as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

In the letter from Buckingham Palace, Her Majesty said: “I send my warmest congratulations and best wishes to members of the 32nd Greenock and District Scout Group on the centenary of their formation on 9 March.” PM Mr Cameron said: “I know that thousands of children will have benefited from the group’s involvement in the community over the past century.

“It is a fantastic example of how scouting and voluntary groups can make a difference to so many with fun and challenging activities, unique experiences and everyday adventure.

“Many congratulations on this landmark anniversary.” The First Minister also sent her warm wishes.

She said: “I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the scout group and thank you for all your work with young people over the last 100 years.” Special letters also came from Wayne Bulpitt, who is the UK chief commissioner and Graham Haddock, the chief commissioner of Scouts Scotland.

Fifty scouts, their leaders and local dignitaries gathered for the reception where Provost Robert Moran paid tribute to the group before presenting them with a piece of engraved crystal.

This was followed by a speech by Group Scout leader Carol McCallum before scout Megan Alford, 11, sang to the assembled company.

Several awards were handed out on the night, including to cub scout leader Kerrie Munn and assistant cub scout leader Natalie Donald, who both achieved their Queen Scout awards.

The group would like to thank scout Rebecca McGhee, who played violin on the night, and Explorer Scout Caitlin Monaghan, who sang and played guitar.