The Earl of Forfar got to grips with rugby and boatbuilding on his latest visit to his namesake town.
On Thursday Prince Edward dropped in on Forfar for the third time since he was gifted the ancient title in 2019.
It was a 55th birthday present from The Queen to her youngest son and brought the Earldom back after a gap of three centuries.
He was not accompanied by Sophie, Countess of Forfar as had been the case on previous visits in 2019 and last year.
Touch down at Lochside
The Earl landed by helicopter beside Forfar Loch.
He made the short walk to Inchmacoble Park, home to Strathmore Community Rugby Trust.
In 2020 he became the charity’s Royal patron.
He was greeted by Angus Deputy Lieutenant Robina Addison and Trust founder and chairman Stuart Gray.
And he quickly threw himself into a game of walking rugby.
Trust founder and chairman Stuart said: “We were greatly honoured to have his Royal Highness visit the Trust again, this time in his role as our Royal patron as we mark five years promoting and aiding health and wellbeing for all ages through our rugby-based projects.”
The trust offers rugby for autistic youngsters and their siblings, unified rugby for adults and youths with disabilities and a Rugby Academy for senior school pupils.
Thanks to all involved, including our funders and sponsors as well as our partners Strathmore RFC, Brechin RFC, Scottish Rugby ands Scottish Rugby League for their continuing support,” said Stuart.
“We’re keen to speak to potential sponsors about projects we plan to launch in the coming months.
Skiff progress
The Earl made the short walk to Strathmore Cricket Club where a community skiff is well under construction.
The joint project involves Forfar Rotary Club, the town Sailing Club and Forfar Men’s Shed.
It is to be named after popular town plumber Greg Luckhurst, who died in 2021 at the age of just 45.
Greg’s mother, Glenis, and in-laws Graham McFarlane and Jeannette Saquet met the Earl.
And a second skiff kit has been bought to eventually having rowing boat races on the mile-long loch.
The Earl installed the serial number plate UK 265 in the 22-foot rowing boat
It is due for completion this summer.
Skiff project lead Tony Walker of Forfar Sailing Club said: “It was the Earl who said he wanted to come to see the skiff so we are absolutely delighted he has shown an interest.
“This is just the start of a project to bring rowing back to Forfar Loch after about 50 years.
“The original club was a rowing and sailing club and there is a huge interest in skiff rowing.”
Forfar Rotary president Tim Hale added: “We feel very privileged to have the Earl here today.
“He took a great interest in the skiff.
“And hopefully he can come back, see it on the water and perhaps even go rowing in it himself.”
Ancient title
The Earldom of Forfar was created in 1661 and became extinct as a title in 1715 when the second Earl died leaving no children.
Archibald Douglas, the first Earl of Forfar, was a Scottish peer.
He was the second son and youngest child of Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus and 1st Earl of Ormond.
The second Earl of Forfar was also called Archibald Douglas, the only son of the first Earl.
He died on December 8 1715 at the Battle of Sheriffmuir aged 23.
Prince Edward and Sophie now use the Earl and Countess of Forfar titles on visits north of the border.
The Forfar stop was part of a busy Royal week in Scotland which has also seen the 96-year-old Queen appear in public at Holyrood Palace.
More pictures by Courier photographer Gareth Jennings of the Earl’s visit.
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