The Princess Royal visited a mountain rescue team’s new base and a local food manufacturer during her tour of Ross-shire yesterday.
Princess Anne spoke to members of Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team at their newly opened base in Dingwall, accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant Janet Bowen.
She demonstrated a strong geographical knowledge of the Highlands while being presented maps showing the extent of the area covered by the team, and heard about some of their challenging recent rescues.
Her first visit of the day was to the Highland Cookhouse at Dingwall Business Park, where she was escorted round the premises to see fresh dishes being prepared, packed and frozen, and met some of the local suppliers.
In the afternoon, princess Anne visited the Muir of Ord Community Hub and met project volunteers, funders and user-groups ranging from the Calman Trust to local craft, heritage and gardening groups.
The princess then visited Urray House care home where she met a number of residents, including the home’s eldest, 101-year-old Flora Brill.
The final visit of the day was to R&I Cruden Ltd – local renewable heating installers based in Muir of Ord industrial estate.
Ross and Cromarty civic leader and local councillor, Margaret Paterson, who met the princess in Muir of Ord, said: “I’d like to thank HRH and everyone involved in organising what has been a wonderful day.
“As well as giving the Highland Cookhouse in Dingwall and R&I Cruden Ltd in Muir of Ord the chance to showcase their developing businesses, the day was about celebrating achievement. The Mountain Rescue team play such an important role and I’m glad this was recognised today and I know HRH enjoyed her tour of their new base, and hearing about some of the recent rescues the team have carried out.
“At the Hub in Muir of Ord it was lovely to see so many community groups and the team behind the redevelopment get together. The atmosphere was fantastic and everyone appreciated the interest shown by the Princess. I’m sure the visit to Urray House Care Home was a highlight for staff and residents that will be remembered for many years to come.
“Ross and Cromarty is a special place and today it really was heartening to be able to show Princess Anne the strong team spirit, business skills, creativity, aspiration and hard work of so many people.”
