Inverclyde Council host 150th anniversary civic reception

The glitzy bash took place in the Grand Corridor of the Municipal Buildings on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 hosted by Provost Drew McKenzie.

The Grand Corridor was filled as the club was commended for 150 years of existence (Image: Inverclyde Council) The special reception was seen as a chance to commemorate the Cappielow club’s milestone anniversary, whilst celebrating the achievements of one of Scotland’s oldest professional football clubs.

Provost McKenzie, a life-long Morton supporter, said it was an honour to host heroes of today and yesteryear to the council buildings.

He said: “It was an honour on behalf of the council and the people of Inverclyde to welcome some familiar faces from Morton’s past and present to the Grand Corridor to celebrate 150 years of Greenock Morton Football Club.

“Like many people, I grew up going to games at Cappielow with my grandfather and it has sort of gone full circle as I now go to the match with my son and often my grandchildren so it was extra-special for me to host the reception.

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“Morton is one of the oldest professional clubs in the country and it’s no mean feat, especially in the current climate, to keep a football club going and a full-time one at that.

“The club is, of course, more than just a football team. It’s a way of life for many – on and off the pitch.

“Morton has evolved so much from the early days in 1874 and as well as the men’s football team, there are now successful women’s and girls’ teams, a vibrant youth academy for boys and girls, and the Morton in the Community charitable trust that provides so many opportunities for people of all abilities and backgrounds right across Inverclyde.

“Central to all that goes on at Morton are the people and the fans who have kept this club going for 150 years through thick and thin.

“Congratulations to Morton on achieving 150 years and I wish them every possible success for the future.”

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Chairperson of Greenock Morton FC, John Laird says it was an honour for the club to have been the subject of such a celebration, in a building that showed just how big a presence that the Cappielow club are in the local area.

He added: “We have just started a programme of events to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary but it was extra-special to have had the honour of a civic reception to help mark this special occasion. 

“It felt quite fitting that the reception was held in the Municipal Buildings because, to put it into context, Morton was founded in 1874 and the Municipal Buildings were constructed in the late 1880s.

“Our thanks to Inverclyde Council, Provost Drew McKenzie and everyone involved in hosting the event and marking this milestone moment in the history of Greenock Morton.”