Thousands of locals have welcomed King Charles III to Kinross.
The monarch, who last week marked a year since his ascension to the throne, arrived in the town just after 11am on Friday.
His first stop was St Paul’s Episcopal Church, where he was greeted by Annie McCormack, trustee and founder of anti-poverty charity Broke Not Broken.
The King was given a brief overview of the charity before meeting volunteers. The line-up included secondary school students, who discussed its impact on the local community.
Annie said it had been a great day for Kinross.
“I’m so glad the whole community has been recognised today,” she said.
“Kinross is such a kind and compassionate place. And it was lovely to see so many familiar faces in the crowd.
“The King was very interested in what we do here, how we do it and the dignity we put into every parcel.”
Kinross foodbank garden a hit with King
The King also visited the food bank’s garden, next door to the church, where he spoke to local volunteers.
They included youngsters from Kinross High School, who help out.
Susan Mitchell, who volunteers in the garden, said he made a beeline for her leeks, and asked about the variety of vegetables which are grown there for food parcels.
“We grow flowers as well,” she said. “It’s a lovely calm, quiet place, where people can come and sit for a while when they’re at the foodbank.
“The King said leeks were his favourites, and he asked what potatoes we were growing, so I told him – Duke of York.”
He then headed for Kinross High Street where he met locals, including children and staff from Rosemount Nursery School.
Jen Bashford, from Kinross, said: “It’s such a big occasion for the town.
“My daughter [Joanne McLaughlin] works in the day centre and she was looking forward to the royal visit.
“It’s great to see so many people here.”
Royal fever hits Kinross
Earlier in the day, Mandy Barbour, from the Fife town of Cupar, told The Courier: “I’m hoping to meet the King.
“I’ve seen him a few times – I was at the Braemar gathering a few weeks ago and I was at his dedication in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
“I’ve met lots of the Royal Family – The Queen, Harry and Meghan, William and Kate, Sophie and others but not Charles and Camilla. So hopefully today’s the day!”
Michael Sweeney was joined by mum Pauline Sweeney and sister Suzzi Young at St Paul’s Episcopal Church as King Charles arrived.
Michael, from Glenrothes, said: “I went to Dunfermline to see King Charles with my auntie last year so I wanted to bring my mum and sister today.
“I just really like the Royal Family. I think they do a great job for the country.”
Suzzi, who lives in Hill of Beath, added: “Mum’s always loved the royals so I think that’s where we get it from.
“When the Queen died, you saw how it brought everyone together so this is just us showing support for the King.”
Proud day for Kinross Day Centre team
Thousands of people lined the streets between St Paul’s and the Kinross Day Centre, many waving flags or dressed in red, white and blue.
Local OAPs had gathered at the centre for their daily lunch, complete with Union Jack plates and bunting.
The King also unveiled a plaque to mark the centre’s 40th anniversary.
Volunteer Ailsa Smith said it was a proud day for everyone involved.
Her father, Sir Alan Smith, and stepmother, Lady Alice, were instrumental in setting up the centre’s lunch club 40 years ago when the former church building, where it meets five days a week, was put up for sale.
Locals took it over and created a space where older members of the community could gather for a hearty lunch and good company.
More than 100 people are on the books now. Around 40 come for a home-cooked lunch most days, and others receive meals in their own homes.
The centre also puts on activities and does outreach work, taking members for vaccinations, picking up prescriptions etc.
Locals cheer King
Jo McKee Taylor was one of the locals who spoke to the King on the High Street.
She and her mother Sheena Taylor had travelled from Rumbling Bridge to be there.
Jo said she was thrilled to see so many people out on the streets for the King’s visit.
“He said he had never been to Kinross before, and I told him we’d made sure the rain stayed off,” she said.
Angela Taylor was there as a parent helper for Kinross Primary School, whose pupils lined up outside the Green Hotel to cheer the King as he passed.
“I don’t think there’ll be much schoolwork done this afternoon,” she said.
“Some of the children are really quite emotional, they’ve been so excited about this visit. It’s been a lovely day for Kinross.”
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