The Princess Royal visited Perthshire to learn about the role Perth College plays as part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI).
The princess is chancellor of UHI, which is Scotland’s most recently created university, and this was her first visit to Perth College.
Her role with the UHI is both ceremonial and ambassadorial, representing the establishment in the UK and overseas. She met dozens of students during a tour of the Crieff Road campus and at a hangar at Perth Airport.
At the campus, the princess visited the theatre and recording studios, social and vocational studies, hair salon, joinery and motor vehicle workshops.
At the hangar at Perth Airport, Scone, the royal party was greeted by the guard of honour and pipes and drums, mounted by the Atholl Highlanders.
She toured the facility, which is designed for teaching students studying in the aeronautical fields.
A ripple of laughter rippled round the hanger as the Princess Royal made a beeline for a flight simulation machine and spent several minutes being shown the controls against a realistic landscape backdrop.
Dr Thomas Moore, Perth College UHI principal and chief executive said: “HRH the Princess Royal was installed as the first-ever UHI chancellor last June and we are honoured to have the opportunity to show her the excellent work our college does in providing a university education for our local community and beyond.
“Our partnership in UHI allows us to grow and widen our provision to provide outstanding education and training for the benefit of our students. This visit was a great opportunity for The Princess Royal to see how we help our students reach their full potential and the leading part we play within UHI.
“The Princess Royal visited the hair salon; joinery and motor vehicle workshops and also heard about an innovative industry partnership bringing together hospitality students and Sodexo staff to successfully work together in the Food Court, giving the students hands-on industry skills and the experience of what it’s really like to work a busy kitchen and restaurant environment.
“Alumnus David Reid, now a celebrated luthier, was presented with his Alumnus of the Year 2012 award by our royal visitor as a special honour.”
The princess ended her visit by unveiling a commemorative plaque.