The King's coronation: 'The whole of Caithness will be so proud'
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King Charles III is known for his commitment to environmental causes and he took a keen interest in the work of Caithness Beach Cleans during a royal visit to Scrabster in 2021.
Dorcas Sinclair and her husband Allan had founded the group two years before, having been alarmed by the amount of plastic rubbish being washed up on the county's coastline.
The future monarch congratulated the volunteers of Caithness Beach Cleans as he viewed and discussed objects that they had cleared, collected and recycled. He was surprised at how much discarded fishing material ended up on Caithness beaches.
Looking back on the visit, Dorcas said: "It was very interesting meeting the then Prince Charles. I found him very personable.
"He was interested in what we were doing, asked questions and spoke to everyone who was there, including the children – and the dogs!"
During the visit, Dorcas and Allan gave Charles a doormat made from recycled materials.
"He was delighted with his mat," Dorcas recalled. "I really can't remember what was said as I think I was too nervous."
The Rev Lyall Rennie has found that King Charles takes a great interest in local projects on his annual visits to Caithness.
The retired Canisbay minister said: "I have always found him to be easy and interesting to talk to.
"He attends Canisbay church every year when he is staying at the Castle of Mey and he also attends the Mey Games every year.
"He is always interested in what is happening locally and in local projects such as the John O'Groats Mill. He is passionate about the environment.
"When he is in Caithness he loves having time to relax and go fishing, and especially his annual trip to Stroma."
Councillor Willie Mackay has been compere at the Mey Highland Games for the past 15 years.
He said: "What a memorable worldwide event the coronation is going to be. King Charles is still our chieftain and we on the Mey Highland Games committee are so proud. Quite rightly the whole of Caithness will be as well.
"Over the years attending the Mey Highland Games, then as the Duke of Rothesay, he always took a tremendous interest on the day as to how the games were going.
"I've had many a chat with him, especially when following his walk about the games field and when he came out to referee the tug-of-war and to present the winners with their case of beer."
