PROVOST Robert Moran rolled out the red carpet to welcome the national leader of the Church of Scotland.

The Moderator of the General Assembly, Reverend John Chalmers, spent last week in Inverclyde visiting various flagship projects in the area.

Ferguson’s Shipyard was among the many destinations on his tour, as well as meeting local congregations and volunteers in the community.

Inverclyde Council hosted a Provost’s Civic Reception in the Municipal Buildings for the visiting dignitary who highlighted the church’s need to speak up for those in need and to come together as a society for the common good of others.

Speaking at the reception Rev Chalmers said: “It has been good to see the amount of goodwill that there is for the work that the Church of Scotland is doing in and around Greenock. It has been a real pleasure to be an invited guest at this civic reception.

“It is important too, for us in the Church of Scotland, to maintain healthy links with those who are serving the same communities through local authority agencies because, working in partnership we can make the greatest difference to people’s lives.” Provost Moran added: “It is an important occasion for Inverclyde to welcome the Moderator. I would like to thank the Moderator for taking the time in his busy schedule to visit us in Inverclyde, including his visit to the Craigmarloch School at the Port Glasgow Community Campus. I know his visit has been very much appreciated across the wider Inverclyde community.”