William and Kate wow local kids and meet charities helping young people
The Royal couple met those working with young people in supporting their mental health through improved access to the outdoors.
Last updated 2nd Nov 2023
William and Kate have been spending time in the North of Scotland seeing organisations supporting rural communities in Moray and Inverness.
Known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, they arrived at Burghead in Moray to meet members of outdoor learning and adventure activity charity Outfit Moray.
The charity supports young people aged between 8 and 18 and has worked with more than 16,000 youngsters since its creation in 2003.
It runs a large range of activities including mountain biking, paddlesports, rock climbing, archery and bushcraft, with William and Kate even testing out the bike course.
"I had visions of going to the Tower!"
CEO Tony Brown said, "I had visions of going to the Tower! But they were very skilled and clearly mountain bike already and went straight round the course without any instruction required"
Local kids gathered from Burghead Primary to greet the Prince and Princess, where Evie said they were keen to find out more about their favourite sports.
"She said she hurt her finger"
Another pupil Oliver was told by Kate to go easy on the fist bumps following a half-term accident for the Princess of Wales.
"She said she hurt her finger playing on the trampoline with her kids
"She also said she couldn't give too many fist bumps or high fives as it hurt!"
The Royal couple were also at Brodieshill Farm near Forres where they learned more about efforts to support local young people with their mental health.
They also met members of the Lower Speyside Young Farmers group and representatives from Farmstrong Scotland.
Lower Speyside Young Farmers is run for young people from any background aged between 14 and 29 across the local area, providing opportunities for socialising and interaction.
The group has recently taken part in the "Are ewe okay?" campaign, led by the Scottish Association of Young Farmer Clubs, encouraging members to talk about mental health and break down stigma associated with the subject.
Farmstrong Scotland is committed to the wellbeing of farmers and rural communities and runs programmes to improve individual mental health and physical wellbeing.
William and Kate also met families who attend regular sessions at the farm's dedicated play area.
Developed to provide a space for young children to explore and learn, Brodieshill offers an indoor and outdoor area for play where families can focus on and connect with their children.