Prince Charles yesterday toured a £4.2m community project that has transformed a derelict building in a deprived area of Glasgow into a thriving community hub. (With video)
Prince Charles yesterday toured a £4.2m community project that has transformed a derelict building in a deprived area of Glasgow into a thriving community hub.
The Duke of Rothesay stayed true to his "green" credentials by planting a John Hancox apple tree in the organic orchard in the Castlemilk Stables, with the help of Ciara Fylas, nine, and 10-year-old Tony Desmond.
Around 100 staff and local school pupils greeted the royal visitor, cheering and waving Scottish flags.
The facility has been transformed from its rundown state into a community hub that includes a creche, orchard and a vegetable garden and also welcomes art groups. It is also home to a local housing association.
Local schools have used the facility and it has created 18 jobs for local people.
It has won 10 awards, including the Anthony Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.
Patricia Elborn, head teacher of Castleton Primary in Castlemilk, said: "The prince was very charming and seemed genuinely interested in what the children had been getting up to. He seemed very interested in the environmental issues involved in our projects."
The duke charmed Alexina Quinn, 66, during an art and craft course at the centre. She said: "He was lovely and really interested in what we've been doing."
Charlie Millar, chief executive of Cassiltoun Housing Association, which is based there, said: "We know he is an architecture enthusiast as well as a keen environmentalist so this touches all the right buttons with him."
The duke also met musicians from the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, at the National Piping Centre in the city's Cowcaddens. He is patron of the headquarters, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
In Dundee, the Duchess of Rothesay met cancer patients at the opening of a therapeutic garden, which includes a room for Tai Chi and other classes, at the Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre.
