The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to Visit the Isles of Mull and Iona

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during the official opening of The Balfour, Orkney's new hospital in Kirkwall, where they are meeting NHS staff as they continue their tour of Scotland, 2021.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during the official opening of The Balfour, Orkney's new hospital in Kirkwall, where they are meeting NHS staff as they continue their tour of Scotland, 2021.

THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF ROTHESAY WILL VISIT THE ISLES OF MULL AND IONA

Scotland

Tuesday 29th – Wednesday 30th April

The Prince and Princess of Wales, known as Duke and Duchess of Rothesay while in Scotland, will visit the Isles of Mull and Iona on Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th April to celebrate and connect with rural island communities.

Their Royal Highnesses will spend time with members of the local community reflecting on the power of social connection and the importance of protecting and championing the natural environment, two subjects which are close to Their Royal Highnesses’ hearts.

On arrival, the Duke and Duchess will travel to the town of Tobermory, where they will visit a much-loved community hub in the heart of the town and an artisan market at which they will meet some of the island’s makers and creators. Their Royal Highnesses will also go to a local croft to learn about sustainable farming and hospitality on the island.

On the second day, Their Royal Highnesses will visit an ancient woodland to meet the Mull and Iona Ranger Service, which plays a vital role in conservation, biodiversity protection and education on the islands. The Rangers regularly partner with local primary schools to ensure that every child on the islands experiences the beautiful natural environment around them. The Duke and Duchess will join a local school group as they take part in some outdoor learning.

In their final public engagement, the Duke and Duchess will take the public ferry across the water to Iona, before which they’ll meet those who run the service as well as members of the community who use it. Residents on the islands are highly dependent on the ferry routes and rely on them to connect them and to transport provisions back and forth between the islands and the mainland.

The Isle of Mull is the fourth largest island in Scotland, with a population of around 3,000 people and home to strong tourism, farming and fishing industries. It’s tiny neighbour, Iona, has a population of around 170 people but receives around 130,000 visitors a year thanks to its ancient history and traditional way of life.

The landscapes and communities on the Scottish Isles provide a sharp contrast to how many of us in more urban environments live. These island communities offer a powerful model for fostering a more loving, empathetic, and compassionate society though deeper connections with our surroundings and engaging more in shared endeavours.

The royal couple will celebrate their 14th wedding anniversary on 29th April.

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