AN Inverclyde museum is making history by welcoming new British citizens.

The Watt Institution, incorporating the McLean Museum & Art Gallery, Watt Hall, and Watt Library, has been adopted by Inverclyde Council as the venue for citizenship ceremonies.

The A-listed building, which dates back to 1837, is where people living locally become British citizens and share the special moment in front of family and friends.

One of the largest ceremonies took place recently when eight people became British citizens in a service held in the Watt Hall.

The ceremony was conducted by council registrar Jonny O’Connor alongside Provost Drew McKenzie and Deputy Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Sandra Macdougall.

Provost McKenzie said: “It is a privilege for me to be one of the first to congratulate people on becoming British citizens and to share this special moment with them and their families.

“We understand the importance of these ceremonies and try our best to make this final stage in becoming a British citizen as enjoyable and meaningful as possible so that each new citizen will take away with them a feeling of being welcomed into the community and the British nation.

“The Watt Institution is a beautiful venue in which to hold these ceremonies and helps to add to the sense of occasion.

“It feels quite fitting that such an historic moment in the lives of these individuals and their families takes place in a building steeped in local, national and international history.

“On behalf of the Inverclyde community, a very warm welcome to our new citizens and their families and I wish them all the very best as they officially embark on their life as British citizens.”

Under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, all applicants over the age of 18, who are accepted as British citizens, are required to take part in a citizenship ceremony.

Citizenship can be granted for a variety of reasons, including through marriage, if someone has lived in the UK for at least five years, if someone has a British parent, or someone is stateless.

The aim of the ceremony is to enable applicants to gain a full understanding of the rights and responsibilities that come with becoming a British citizen and to ensure that they are properly welcomed into the community.

As a British citizen, the person has a right to live in the United Kingdom and are no longer subject to any form of immigration control.

The ceremony is hosted by an officiating registrar and the provost who gives a short introduction and official welcome to Inverclyde and also presents new citizens with a certificate and a small gift from Inverclyde Council.

At the close of the ceremony everyone in attendance is asked to stand for the National Anthem having earlier pledged allegiance to His Majesty the King.

Deputy Lieutenant Ms Macdougall said: “It is an honour to be part of citizenship ceremonies and help our new British citizens to celebrate this special moment.

“The Watt Hall within the Watt Institution is a wonderful venue in which to hold these ceremonies and helps to add to the occasion.”

Citizenship ceremonies were previously held in Port Glasgow Town Hall but have been moved to the Watt Institution following a recent trial.

The museum was used as a temporary location for marriage ceremonies earlier this year while Port Glasgow Town Hall was unavailable due to improvement works.

The council has a legal duty to provide a marriage suite and nine services were held at the Watt from January to June during the decant.

Ceremonies have now reverted back to Port Glasgow Town Hall but discussions are taking place about offering the Watt Institution as an alternative option.

For more information visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/environment/registrars.