A CEREMONY was held to mark the anniversary of the death of a respected writer, traveller and entrepreneur from Irvine.
Wreaths were laid at the final resting place of John Galt at Inverkip Cemetery in Greenock on Saturday, April 11 to commemorate his passing in the town in 1839.
The ceremony was organised jointly by the Greenock Burns Club and Inverclyde Historical Society to reflect on Galt’s lasting contribution to both literature and the development of Greenock.
Organiser Isabel Lind said: “The event was a fitting tribute to John Galt, emphasising the importance of remembering the individuals, like him, who helped shape our community.
"Though modest in scale, the ceremony carried deep significance for those in attendance.
"It was the second of its kind."
Galt was born in Irvine in 1779 and schooled there but his family moved to Greenock in 1789 and he worked as a clerk at a merchant firm.
He travelled widely and lived in Canada, where he worked for the Canada Company.
He was involved in several business ventures before returning to Greenock in 1834.
Mrs Lind was joined by local dignitaries, community representatives, and members of the public who turned out in honour of the many achievements of John Galt, who also founded the town of Guelph in Ontario.
During the ceremony, Inverclyde Provost Drew McKenzie read an extract from Annals of the Parish, one of Galt’s most celebrated works, offering those in attendance a reminder of his literary talent and insight into Scottish life at the time, particularly in Greenock.
Liz Smith also gave an address on the importance of Galt, which looked at various aspects of his life.
Also represented at the gathering were The John Galt Society, Irvine Burns Club, Inverclyde Heritage Network and the Watt Institution.
Provost McKenzie laid a wreath on behalf of Inverclyde Councill.
David Brown, president of Greenock Burns Club, also laid a tribute and Liz Smith did the same on behalf of the John Galt Society.
Piper Iain White of Greenock Burns Club played while the tributes were laid.
A moment of silence was observed, allowing those present to reflect on the enduring impact of one of the west of Scotland's most significant historical figures.
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