Prince Edward visited a primary school and community groups in a packed tour of a Black Isle village yesterday.
During his visit the Earl of Wessex met staff and pupils at Cromarty Primary School, spoke to members of The Cromarty Arts Trust and sounded the bells at the historic East Church.
While on his school trip, the Earl helped pupils decorate cakes with Union Jacks and spoke to them about the meaning behind the colours of the flag.
Primary one to three pupils had also painted and displayed their own royal portraits – including one of Prince Edward himself, as well as the Queen, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne.
As the Earl walked past his own portrait he remarked to the youngsters: “Are you responsible for this? Do you think there is a good likeness?”
A young girl replied: “Yes, but you are wearing different clothes.”
Later in the afternoon, he was ushered round the recently restored East Church by Tristram Clarke, chairman of the Scottish Redundant Churches, and accompanied by local historian and NHS Highland board chairman, David Alston.
He was then given a demonstration in bell-ringing by youngster Ben Flieger, church opening assistant.
After this he gave it a try himself before quipping: “We’ll be confusing everyone in the village by doing this.”
Prince Edward arrived by helicopter on Cromarty links yesterday afternoon and was met by Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Janet Bowen, who joined him in his tour of the village.
About 60 schoolchildren waved flags from the top road as the Earl made his way by car to Victoria Hall – and a piper played in the background as he went inside.
After lunch he met with various members of Cromarty Camera Club and had the opportunity to view their exhibition work.
He also visited Cromarty Courthouse Museum where he was given a talk on the history and archaeology of Cromarty.
The Earl was then escorted round a youth cafe to meet members before re-entering the hall to listen to some songs by the Cromarty Four Ways Club.
He also met with young people working towards their bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
The Earl also travelled to the harbour and met staff from EcoVentures, which run dolphin and wildlife watching boat trips, as well as a group of local rowing club volunteers who built their own skiff.
The tour was rounded off with a visit to Cromarty Brewery to view the production process – and sample some beers.
