Prince Charles thanks far north community for 'wonderful' response to Covid-19
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PRINCE Charles has thanked the people of Caithness for "the wonderful job" they have done during the coronavirus pandemic.
He visited staff and care workers at Caithness General Hospital on Friday, and this week met with four local community representatives at the Castle of Mey.
John Thurso, the Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness, helped organise the visits. He stressed that the number of people the prince could meet was limited because of the Covid-19 restrictions.
The Lord-Lieutenant said that Prince Charles, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, had asked to be kept informed about what was happening in the county as Caithness has "a special place in his heart".
When John Thurso told him about the "phenomenal work" being carried out by community groups and businesses and the generosity of spirit being shown, Prince Charles indicated he would like to meet representatives to express his gratitude. He had coronavirus earlier in the year but his symptoms were said to be mild.
The prince was said to be very pleased to be allowed to come to Caithness for his annual break at the Castle of Mey. However, he was saddened that the Mey Games could not go ahead and he could not carry out the range of activities he usually does while in the county.
But he wished to thank the community for the "wonderful job it has done" during the lockdown, John Thurso said.
The Duke of Rothesay met with four representatives of local organisations at the Castle of Mey. The names – drawn out of a hat – were Joan Lawrie from Thurso Community Development Trust, Christine Stone of Castletown resilience group, Andrew Mowat from the John O'Groats Community Trust and Mick Moore, operations director at Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd.
"Prince Charles was delighted to hear what the community has been doing and it was a way of him thanking the people in Caithness for what they have done. He was delighted to do so," John Thurso added.
Afterwards Mr Moore said: "I was delighted that His Royal Highness was aware of the work our team has undertaken and honoured to accept the invitation on behalf of everyone at Dounreay. He was very interested to hear how the community has pulled together to support each other during a difficult few months and was appreciative of all that has been done.
"I am proud of everyone involved and I know that our team will appreciate His Royal Highness taking the time to recognise their efforts."
Christine Stone said: "It was a true privilege to be asked to represent our local resilience group [Castletown and Community Covid-19 Support and Response Volunteers) at the Castle of Mey. I was extremely keen to press home that there is no 'I' in 'team' and that the success of the Castletown Resilience Group clearly rests on the sustained contribution made by all the volunteers.
"To add to that, I wished to personally thank Gavin Sutherland of Castletown Community Council for his sterling work and support to me over this period.
"It was pleasing to note that His Royal Highness acknowledged the wonderful response by the folk in Caithness to the pandemic and he used the opportunity to express his gratitude to those who were able to meet with him.
"In representing Castletown, I am heartened to see the incredible level of community spirit in and around our village. Yes, there is a resilience group – but there are also families, neighbours and friends all rallying round to help one another. Everyone pulling together has helped us move slowly forward to a safer, steadier phase."
