Royal Visitor for Hoy community

Folk in Hoy welcomed a special visitor today  - HRH The Duke of Rothesay.

In his short visit to the county, The Duke took a tour of Melsetter House and met with various local organisations at the YM in Longhope.

Accompanied by Lord-Lieutenant Elaine Grieve, the tour of Melsetter House and its grounds was provided by Richard and Innez Groat – the owners of the property.

His Royal Highness then proceeded to the YM Hall in Longhope where The Duke was met by Liam McArthur MSP, Council Convener Graham Bevan, Council Leader James Stockan and Kevin Kirkpatrick, former Coxswain of the Longhope Lifeboat

Kevin Kirkpatrick then took the opportunity to introduce local community groups including Jude Callister from the Scapa Flow Visitor Centre and Museum, Alan Corrigall the former Chair of NFU Orkney, Dr Iain Cromarty the Chair  of the RNLI in Longhope and John Budge, Chair of the Hoy Trust. The Duke was then introduced to representatives from local food and drink producers including the Orkney Dairy, Orkney Brewery, Burnside Cheese and Highland Park.

Entertainment was provided by Douglas Montgomery and local school children playing some traditional music.

The Duke ended his visit with the unveiling of a plaque in the YM to mark the occasion.

Commenting on the day’s events, Lord-Lieutenant Elaine Grieve, said: “What a tremendous honour to welcome the Duke to Orkney as part of his summer visits.  The folk of Hoy certainly put on a warm welcome for him – from the resplendent gardens at Melsetter to the fantastic event and refreshments at the YM – Orcadian hospitality at its very best!”