The courage and sacrifice of Black Watch soldiers were recognised by Prince Charles during a visit to Perth on June 1.
He also chatted to several people who had worked at the mill, including Nell Hannah (89), of Perth, who was a member of staff at Stanley Mills during the 1940s and who regularly returns to the mills to tell stories to the younger generation.
At the conclusion of the Stanley Mills visit, the royal visitor paid tribute to the partnership between the Prince’s Regeneration Trust and Historic Scotland, which had transformed the site, calling it “a remarkable achievement.”
Next the prince was given a taste of a subject close to his heart when he toured a specially-arranged Perth Farmers’ Market.
Cheering crowds endured the drizzle to watch as he browsed the stalls, chatting to sellers and members of the public.
The decade-old market was in the vanguard of Scotland’s move towards producer-to-consumer sales and it is the first time it has been held midweek.
After an hour’s walkabout, he called the market “marvellous” and added, “It makes such a difference to speak directly to the producers. They’re the future, aren’t they?”
He was shown around by market chairman Andrew Scarlett, whose Scarletts honey firm based outside Meigle produces the labelling for the prince’s own Duchy brand of honey.
He said, “I thought it went really well. The prince spoke to most stallholders about their produce and showed a real interest.
“He’s a farmer himself and was very knowledgeable about farmers markets and what they have to offer.
When he arrived at the complex, renovated into housing and an internationally recognised visitor attraction, he was greeted by the entire Stanley Primary School all 140 pupils.
Accompanied by MSP John Swinney, Prince Charles spoke to the youngsters before heading for the riverside house of long-term resident John Maguire (71).
“I have lived here for 10 years. I am one of the original residents,” he said. “The prince said what a struggle it had been to develop this site but said I now had a unique home.”
The prince also met other Stanley Primary pupils who act as guides when other schools visit the mills.
“He asked what all the machines were for it was great fun meeting the prince,” said 11-year-old Lisa Cunningham.