Reflections after the visit of HRH Prince Charles to Caithness – 'a visit from Prince Charles puts a real spring in the step'
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After the visit of HRH Prince Charles (the Duke of Rothesay) to Caithness, several community organisations have reflected on the significance of his annual stay in the county.
Prince Charles visited Dunnet Forest on July 29 and was greeted by Andrew Wands, recently retired Chair of Dunnet Community Forest, who said he was delighted to show him local efforts to plant trees for the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.
Mr Wands said: "As part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, where every community was encouraged to plant a tree during the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen, Dunnet Forest offered any participating groups who were unable to plant their own tree or trees due to lack of space, an opportunity to plant them in the forest.
"Uptake of this offer was good and over one weekend in March 2022, volunteers from Dounreay and Dunnet Forest planted about 100 trees. Work was overseen by the Lord Lieutenant of Caithness the Viscount Thurso and it was at his suggestion that Prince Charles should visit the forest to see the results of our efforts. We were all very pleased to welcome him into the forest and to show him the results of our efforts."
Mr Wands added that HRH was "very happy" with the work undertaken and obligingly planted a tree to commemorate his visit.
That very same day (July 29), Prince Charles met volunteers and supporters of the Caithness Foodbank in Wick to hear more about the vital support they provide to those in need and was introduced to a selection of community groups based in Caithness.
Joanna Coghill, chair of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC), said that the event was beneficial on many levels and gave all who attended the chance to catch up and swap ideas.
Mrs Coghill added: "On a personal level, I thought it was really good – a chance for many voluntary sectors in our area to shine, to showcase all that is here and to let HRH see the huge variety of volunteer groups in the area and let him see what they all do. It was a great PR event for our local community."
She also welcomed the opportunity to talk with HRH and show him the work of the RBWCC and other local initiatives. "He was very interested in the good work we have done so far and what we have planned for and working towards. I don't think he realised how strong the community spirit is here in our town and how many wee sub groups we have branching from the RBWCC and even how many volunteers we have once you tot the numbers up."
Jamie Stone MP was also at the food bank event in Wick and attended the Mey Games last weekend when Prince Charles took on the role of games chieftain.
Mr Stone said: "The far north is exceptionally lucky that His Royal Highness takes as close an interest in our area as his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, did.
"Be you a crofter tending your livestock, or be you a small business, be you a health professional or a community organisation – a visit from Prince Charles puts a real spring in the step.
"I know this from my conversations in Wick a few days ago, with people who had just met His Royal Highness. I am grateful for his visit."
Ashe Windham is an extra equerry during Prince Charles' visits to the Castle of Mey, acting as a personal attendant to the royal household. Mr Windham looks after the private programme of the prince, which involves organising walks, visitors and salmon fishing. He also escorted Prince Charles around the field at the Mey Highland Games last Saturday.
Mr Windham told the Groat: "HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, has served as President of The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust since its inception in July 1996.
"Although HRH was a frequent visitor from HMY Britannia, he first stayed at The Castle of Mey in August 2002, visiting Caithness every year since then. HRH has steadily built upon his beloved grandmother’s 50 year legacy in the county and he takes a great interest in all that goes on in the north of Scotland, an area which has long been close to his heart. In my view, as a part time resident of Sutherland, we are wonderfully fortunate to have his annual visits to the Far North."
