CHARITIES representing the Wee County were given the opportunity to speak with King Charles during his visit to Alloa.
Five good causes from across Clacks who had received one of the King's or Queen's Award in recent times were invited along to The Gate Charity during the monarch's appearance.
During his visit, the king spoke with volunteers from the foodbank before making his way into the back of the building, where he was greeted by the organisations.
He was first greeted by Anthea Coulter, chief officer of the Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI).
They provide a 'single-door' access point for people in need of support, helping signpost them to a range of services to best suit their needs.
She said: "We were so delighted to have his majesty come and particularly to focus on volunteering.
Among those in attendance included Tullibody History Group, Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire, Alva Development Trust, Forth Valley Welcome and Home-Start Clackmannanshire.
While the sovereign made time for each and every charity, one group was left particularly touched after the king spoke with several refugees that were at The Gate.
Forth Valley Welcome was awarded the the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
They devote their time to helping new Scots integrate themselves into Forth Valley from other countries.
"We had four refugees in the walkabout area and he had a really nice conversation with them as well.
"That was lovely because they were all so excited."
One member of the public from Forth Valley Welcome was a refugee from Syria, who was expecting a baby.
Laura added: "They had a really personable conversation with them which was lovely from them."
Other charities in the main hall were also surprised at how 'down-to-earth' the king was, making the time to speak with each representative and hear about the good work they do across Forth Valley.
Linda McLeod, chair of Breathe Easy, represented her charity alongside her daughter and another trustee.
Shesaid: "It was just like chatting to the man next door.
"He asked about lung disease and joked with my daughter Lynsey, he was wonderful to speak to."
Alva Development Trust was founded to help further the interests and growth of the town and are the county's most recent recipients of the King's Award, earning it in 2023.
Mary Laing, chair of the Alva Development Trust, commented: "He was absolutely lovely to speak to.
The Tullibody History Society have devoted their time to researching and preserving the history and heritage of their town.
Their captured works are found on display at the Tullibody Heritage Centre, with their efforts earning them a Queen's Award back in 2015.
Christine Calder, chair of the History Society, said: "It was very relaxed and his majesty put everybody at ease.
"It was a very nice meeting, very natural, we told him about our group and their Heritage Centre.
"He engaged in more minutes of conversation than I was expecting."
Home-Start Clackmannanshire provide tailored support and guidance to families, regardless of their personal situations.
They were honoured with a Queen's Award in 2022 and made up the fifth charity in attendance at The Gate.
Patrick Leavey, chair, added: "What was really lovely was how interested he was in what our organisation did.
"He asked really good questions about the families we support and you got a real sense of someone who was really interested in what was happening here in Clackmannanshire."
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