Lord Lieutenant says being at Coronation was 'privilege of his life'

Lord Lieutenant Colonel Peter McCarthy took his place in the nave of Westminster Abbey on Saturday to witness the historic moment when King Charles III and Queen Camilla were crowned.

He told the Tele that he was so proud to be there on such an historic day for the country and to be representing Inverclyde.

On his return the Lord Lieutenant carried on with his own service as he visited a local Scouts group to present them with a letter from the new King recognising their efforts in the Coronation Big Help Out celebrations.

He also paid tribute to the people of Inverclyde, who he says go above and beyond for others.

The Lord Lieutenant  Peter McCarthy said: "It was the most enormous privilege of my life to be able to represent the community at the Coronation.

"As Lord Lieutenant I am the King's representative in Inverclyde, but I also represent Inverclyde and continue to highlight the incredible service that takes place here.

"Inverclyde has a fantastic record for volunteering and that is evident in Queen's Awards presented to our organisations."

The Lord Lieutenant was sitting in the fourth row as VIPs and heads of states walked by before the procession of the Royal Family.

He added: "We were seated for 8.30 in the morning and we were able to enjoy the incredible music. The Coronation was majestic in every sense, the very best of our modern way of life and our ancient traditions. It was a solemn religious service but all the faiths were presented.

"It was wonderful to see all the military pageantry outside as well.

"It was immense.

"There was so much excitement on the streets of London, it was joyous."

Like many the world over the Lord Lieutenant was inspired by the words of King Charles as he entered the Abbey, saying that he was there 'not to be served, but to serve.'

Colonel McCarthy added: "All that we do here in Inverclyde is about service to others and I hope to continue to highlight all the great work that is done here."

It has been a busy four years for the Lord Lieutenant since taking on the role, having led Inverclyde's celebrations for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, then the sad death of the late Queen Elizabeth in September.

He added: "It is about the continuity and here we are celebrating the Coronation."

Peter has been part of official duties such as the proclamation of the King and helping organisations like the Royal West of Scotland Amateur Boat Club pay their own tributes.

On his return from the Coronation Colonel McCarthy visited the 32nd Greenock Scouts to deliver a letter from King Charles thanking them for taking part in the Big Help Out, a national event aimed at both celebrating and boosting volunteering.