Prince William has delivered a message about the importance of mental health support on his first official visit to Angus.
On a big day for the county, and in particular Carnoustie, he met with two diverse organisations working to combat loneliness and rural isolation.
And a warm handshake for stroke patient David Merrigan at Carnoustie and Monifieth Men’s Shed captured the Duke of Rothesay’s empathy for those facing mental health challenges.
“Stay connected,” was the Prince’s warm parting message to David, who was accompanied by occupational therapist Paula Ferguson.
The shed has become an important new step for David on his mental and physical rehabilitation since his stroke early in 2024.
William was also put to work by retired plant mechanic Alex Campbell, 81, in putting together a ‘tree-hugger’ bird box.
“He was very friendly, it was good to chat to him,” said Alex.
Shed chairman Derek Stewart, 78, has been with the group from its early days in Monifieth before the move to Carnoustie.
“This has been a real honour, and quite emotional for me,” he said.
“He puts you so at ease, and really understands what it is we want to do here.”
He added: “This has been the biggest boost – not just for our sheds, but for all the sheds.
“It is about bringing men out to be together, to give them a sense of something.”
The mental health discussion veered briefly off track during a cuppa.
“We sat down with him for a cup of tea and one of the guys mentioned the recent Celtic Aston Villa game, because the Prince is a Villa supporter,” Derek said.
“But the conversation was really about mental wellbeing and how we keep progressing with what we are trying to here.
“It’s about talking, tackling loneliness and how we bring people to the shed to help with that.”
Prince William speaks to young farmers on issues facing industry
The shed was the second stop for William after earlier meeting young farmers in a round table hosted by the Farm Safety Foundation.
Its Yellow Wellies campaign works to address attitudes and behaviours to farm safety, and poor mental health in the next generation of farmers.
At East Scryne Farm, the Duke of Rothesay was told how some young farmers are tuning into podcasts rather than pop tunes to support their wellbeing in the cab of the tractor.
But they told the royal visitor the key is to talk.
Ally Brunton, national chairperson of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs said: “Some farmers don’t have the big family networks that many are used to.
“We need to reach these people, and we need to signpost folk to the support which is available,” he told the Prince of Wales.
“Whatever problem you are facing, there is always someone in the same boat.”
The Prince asked: “What are you guys worrying about? I’m conscious the older generation may say something different.”
Viki Johnston told William long-term security is paramount.
“It’s difficult to plan going forward. A year is nothing in farming.
“We can all jump into a tractor or cattle shed for the day to day job, but you can’t plan for the next ten years.”
Alistair McCarthy, originally from Caithness, said: “It’s clear he has a real understanding of the issues we face and recognises the need for support within the industry.”
“For us it’s nice to see that he values that.”
And the fragility of farming was illustrated on a short walk to the strawberry polytunnels on James and Katy Porter’s farm which were recently devastated by Storm Eowyn.
“It’s lovely to have the Prince of Wales here and normally we would want to show off the very best of the farm,” said James.
“We have 80 acres of strawberries under polytunnels and the damage which has been done will bring a big financial cost.”
The polytunnels will be repaired to keep the East Scryne Magnum strawberries on course for the shelves of giants such as Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer and Aldi from May onwards.
“These are the sort of issues we face as farmers today,” said James. “It’s not just storms, we had Covid and Brexit.
“On that wider level, talking about those challenges and their impact on mental health is so important.
“To have Prince William here to sit down with young farmers and speak about that is just such a string message.”
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