The Prince of Wales made a “very generous donation” of items to Caithness Foodbank on Friday as part of a visit.
Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotlandmade the donation at the food bank’s Wick facility in the former Carnegie Public Library.
The Royal Family met the food bank volunteers and supporters and learned about the vital support they provide to those in need, as well as representatives from a selection of other local community groups.
Pat Ramsay, trustee and volunteer at the food bank, said: “He was very nice to everyone and spent time with us.
“He also gave us a very generous donation of things we were deficient in, like oatcakes, shortbread, sugar and the like.”
Grant Ramsay, her husband and chairman of the Caithness Food Bank, said: “We explained to him what the food bank was, when it was established and how 10 tons of food has been given to the people in the last year.”
Mr and Mrs Ramsay agreed that the Royal Family’s contribution will add variety and diversity to their customers’ food packages.
Charles was told that the development of food banks in Caithness was made possible by ‘strong local support’ that provided both food supplies and finance, allowing them to thrive and grow.
Mr Ramsay said: “We are incredibly grateful to His Royal Highness for visiting Caithness Food Bank and recognizing the incredible contribution of the volunteers in providing people with emergency food, as well as helping people through hardship to a place where they can support the food bank. no longer need help.
“Public visits such as this one can help spotlight the issues driving people to food banks and build a public will to end the need for food banks in the UK.”
The Lord Lieutenant of Caithness, Lord Thurso introduced Charles to Mr and Mrs Ramsay and accompanied him on his tour of the building as he came into contact with representatives of various community organizations and volunteer groups.
Lord Thurso said: “It was fantastic to show His Royal Highness how much voluntary work there is in Caithness.”
He added: “He is deeply impressed by the projects and especially appreciates the heritage aspects.”
Vice Lord Lieutenant of Caithness Willie Watt accompanied Charles and his entourage around the Carnegie Building where he met representatives of 17 other community groups from Wick and East Caithness.
Mr Watt said: “I was there to greet His Royal Highness this afternoon as he got off the plane and was part of the team helping to organize the reception event here.
“I was also part of the team that hosted the Pilot House and Healing Hub event earlier today.
During his visit he met representatives of friends of Newtonhill Woodland, Wick Paths Group, Seafarers Memorial Group, John O’Groats Trail, Friends of the North Baths, Trinkie Heritage Preservation Group, Sinclair’s Bay Community Council, Wick Flower Baskets Committee, Wick Gala Committee, Let’s Tidy Up Lybster, Dunbeath and District Centre, Befriending Caithness, Latheronwheel and Latheron Improvement Group, Caithness Heart Support Group, the Wick Society (Wick Voices and Isabella Fortuna), the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and the League of Friends of Caithness General Hospital.
“There is a lot of work to get all the details from the people involved in the different groups.
“It worked very well and His Royal Highness was very pleased with the scale of the voluntary sector he encountered today – and that was only part of it as we were only able to take a selection of groups from the east side of the province.”
Mr Watt added that the weather was particularly remarkable, with a particularly sunny afternoon after some gloomy, cloudy days earlier in the week.
“His personal side shone through and he was easy to talk to – it was like talking to a friend and the discussions flowed freely. He is a very special man and we are very lucky to have him spend quality time in Caithness every year, ‘ he said.
Charles spent more than 90 minutes in the Carnegie Building before heading out into the bright sun and being greeted by benefactors who gathered outside on Sinclair Terrace.
Local MP Jamie Stone said: “I think I have Prince Charlesthe Duke of Rothesay, here is something very special today.
“He is interested in the far north and as a Member of Parliament that means a lot to me. I think I speak for everyone in the far north when I say we are very grateful.”