His Majesty The King received a warm Highland welcome in Dingwall on Friday as the town celebrated 800 years since it was granted Royal Burgh status.
The special anniversary visit brought together volunteers, businesses, young people, community groups, cultural organisations and emergency services representatives from across Ross shire, offering a remarkable snapshot of the people and organisations shaping Dingwall today.
His Majesty began his visit at Cromarty Car Park, where he met representatives from local businesses and producers before presenting the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to Evanton Wood Community Company and Highland and Islands Blood Bikes.
The awards recognised the outstanding contribution made by volunteers from both organisations to communities across the Highlands.
The King also met recipients of the King’s Award for Enterprise, including RSE, WoodBlocX and Fresh Marketing, recognising some of the innovation and entrepreneurial success being generated by businesses based in the region.
The celebrations then moved to Dingwall Town Hall, where His Majesty met elected representatives and community leaders before unveiling a commemorative plaque marking the town’s 800th anniversary.
Throughout the visit, the extraordinary breadth of community life in Dingwall was on display as The King met representatives from organisations including Dingwall Community Council, Dingwall Community Development Company, Dingwall 800, Dingwall in Bloom, Dingwall Youth Forum, Dingwall Men’s Shed, Ross shire Women’s Aid, Dingwall Museum, the Puffin Pool and many others.
The town’s cultural life also played an important part in the occasion, with performances from Highland Young Musicians, The Ceilidh Trail, clarsach player Grace Stewart Skinner, Wilson School of Highland Dancers and young musicians from Fèis Rois.
Mrs Joanie Whiteford, Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty, said:
“It has been a tremendous privilege to welcome His Majesty the King to Dingwall as part of the town’s Royal Burgh 800 celebrations.
“Today has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase the very best of our communities.
“His Majesty met volunteers, young people, local businesses, charities, community groups and cultural organisations whose dedication makes a real difference to life across Ross-shire.
“I would like to thank everyone who helped organise and take part in today’s visit.
“The warmth of the welcome, the strength of community spirit and the remarkable creativity and talent on display have made this a truly memorable occasion.
“From our musicians and dancers to our volunteers, businesses and community champions, everyone involved has done Dingwall proud.”
Highland Council Civic Leader Councillor Margaret Paterson added:
“It was a great honour and privilege to welcome His Majesty The King to Dingwall as part of our Royal Burgh 800 celebrations.
“People across the town and wider Ross-shire area have been looking forward to this visit and it has been wonderful to see so many members of our community come together to give His Majesty such a warm Highland welcome.
“Today has been a truly proud moment for Dingwall.
“Our 800th anniversary celebrations have provided an opportunity to reflect on our rich history, celebrate our vibrant present and look ahead to the future, and His Majesty’s visit has undoubtedly been one of the highlights of this very special year.”
Dingwall 800 is being led by Fèis Rois in partnership with The Highland Council, Dingwall Community Council, Dingwall Community Development Company and other local organisations, with a year long programme celebrating the town’s heritage, achievements and future.
Eight centuries after Dingwall became a Royal Burgh, the visit provided a fitting moment for the town to celebrate not simply its remarkable history, but the people keeping its community spirit very much alive today.
