CARDENDEN funeral director John Gilfillan has been invited to be at the coronation of King Charles next week.

John is one of the thousands of local community activists from all over the UK who have been invited to take part in the historic event at Westminster Abbey.

His formal invitation said: “The Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla: By command of the King, the Earl Marshall is directed to invite Mr John Gilfillan to be present at the Abbey Church of Westminster on the 6th day of May 2023”.

After a long career with Co-op Funeral Care, John set up his own business in Lochgelly some years ago, before then expanding it to Cardenden, and was totally shocked to receive the invite.

Someone who is a big supporter of gala days throughout the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area, he organises children’s race events throughout the district and is a well known figure, as well as being senior vice president of Cowdenbeath Rotary Club, and an active member of the Regimental Association of the Black Watch.

He said: “I was really surprised to get the invite, it is an honour and a privilege.

“It will be amazing to get the chance to take part in what is a very historic event.”