MORTON'S recent Scottish Cup quarter final against Hearts brought back memories for former Inverclyde Provost Allan Robertson.

He was in office when Inverclyde District Council honoured Morton with a civic reception in the Town Hall after the club won the Second Division Championship in 1995.

As host, Allan presented a silver salver to the club and he also handed over a special award to Allan McGraw in recognition of his efforts as manager.

Former broadcast and print journalist Arthur Montford, who grew up in Greenock and was a big Morton supporter, was the guest speaker.

Ex-Provost Allan told me: “I recall at that time not only the buzz of the fans but also the uplift the whole community had in Morton winning the Championship.”

Although Morton were narrowly beaten 1-0 in the recent Scottish Cup quarter final, Allan said the way the team have been playing gives hope that another Scottish Championship may come their way in the not too distant future.

Pictured at the 1995 civic reception, back row from left: Stephen Aitken, Lorn Gibson, Alan Blaikie, Paddy Flannery, Mark McCann, Jim Hunter, Marko Rajamaki, Craig McPherson, John Fowler, Alan Mahood, Dennis McGhee, Paul Blair and Andy Bryan (backroom staff).

Middle row: Willie Gray (kit manager), Ian McDonald (coach), John McMaster (assistant manager), Derek Lilley, Derek Laing, Davie Wylie, Derek Collins, Scott McArthur, Stephen McCahill, Peter Cormack, Dougie Johnstone, Mark Simpson and Duncan Shaw (backroom staff).

Front row: John Anderson, Bob McPherson (Inverclyde District Council chief executive), Derek McInnes, Allan McGraw (manager), Provost Allan Robertson, Douglas Rae (Morton director), Rowan Alexander, Peter Cormack (assistant manager) and Janne Lindberg.