The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay visit the Isles of Mull and Iona

During their visit to the Scottish Isles, Their Royal Highnesses will spend time with members of the local community reflecting on the power of social connection and the importance of protecting and championing the natural environment, two subjects which are close to both of Their Royal Highnesses’ hearts. 

The Isle of Mull is the fourth largest island in Scotland, with a population of around 3,000 people and home to strong tourism, farming and fishing industries. It’s tiny neighbour, Iona, has a population of around 170 people but receives around 130,000 visitors a year thanks to its ancient history and traditional way of life. 

The landscapes and communities on the Scottish Isles provide a sharp contrast to how many of us in more urban environments live. These island communities offer a powerful model for fostering a more loving, empathetic, and compassionate society though deeper connections with our surroundings and engaging more in shared endeavours.

Tuesday 29th April

On arrival, The Duke and Duchess travelled to the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, where they visited a much-loved community hub in the heart of the town and an artisan market, where they met some of the island’s makers and creators.

Aros Hall sits at the heart of Tobermory, and is run by the community for the community, playing host to countless community groups, drama productions, birthday parties, weddings and ceilidhs. Built in the late 19th century, the building is in constant use by the community, with regular activities including a weekly producers’ market, sewing club, lunch club and toddlers’ group. It is also home to the island’s only soft play area for children, and the Community Fridge, which last year diverted over 60 tonnes from landfill.

Community Halls such as Aros, are a key gathering place for islanders to come together, socialise and support one another, building vital relationships and connections in a rural environment. To coincide with Their Royal Highnesses’ visit, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales announced a new partnership to support and develop two community spaces across Mull, ensuring residents can continue to come together and join activities, supporting the fostering of vital social connections.

Aros Hall also coordinates the Tobermory Producers Market, a weekly event which invites local food producers, crafters and artists to showcase their products to the local community. It takes place on the scenic location of Tobermory Harbour, and stall holders include local food producers, crafters, and artists. The Duke and Duchess toured the market, sampling some of the island’s products and meeting members of the community.

Their Royal Highnesses also visited Croft 3, a relatively new working croft and restaurant which celebrates sustainable production, relying as much as possible on serving food which they farm and grow themselves or which is provided by local producers. 

During their visit, The Duke and Duchess toured the croft and some of its 50 acres of land, including seeing some of the herd of Hebridean sheep farmed on site, and helping to select some of the fresh produce from the gardens for that day’s menu.

Wednesday 30th April

On Wednesday, Their Royal Highnesses visited an ancient woodland to meet the Mull and Iona Ranger Service, which plays a vital role in conservation, biodiversity protection and education on the islands. The Rangers regularly partner with local primary schools to ensure that every child on the islands experiences the beautiful natural environment around them. 

Part of the Atlantic rainforest and one of Scotland’s most precious habitats, the forest is now under community ownership and work is underway to protect and restore the forest and it’s rare and vulnerable wildlife. Today, islanders and visitors share a passion and strong connection with the forest, which serves as a place for those to find solace and reflection, as well as a place for children and families to learn and play together, connecting with each other to reduce loneliness and boost wellbeing. 

The Duke and Duchess joined Ardura Acorns, one of the only early-years outdoor learning play groups on the island. It undertakes seasonal, outdoor play and learning with 0-5-year-olds and their carers, with activities focusing on nature and wildlife, such as following nature trails, den building, animal tracking and storytelling. 

To coincide with Their Royal Highnesses’ visit, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales announced support for the Mull and Iona Ranger Service to ensure their important work conserving and championing nature can continue.

In their final public engagement, The Duke and Duchess took the public ferry across the water to the Isle of Iona, before which they met those who run the service as well as members of the community who use it. Residents on the islands are highly dependent on the ferry routes and rely on them to connect them and to transport provisions back and forth between the islands and the mainland.