Prince William visits Angus groups tackling loneliness
The Duke of Rothesay, as he is known north of the border, met with young farmers and Men's Shed members
The Prince of Wales said it is important to break down any "taboos and stigmas around mental health" as he met young farmers to discuss rural isolation and loneliness.
William was visiting a farm where he took part in a roundtable event hosted by the Farm Safety Foundation, a charity working to address attitudes and behaviours to farm safety and poor mental health in future farmers.
During the event on Thursday, at East Scryne Farm near Carnoustie in Angus, he met young farmers from the local area who are part of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs.
The prince, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay north of the border, discussed issues such as what sort of support is available and the impact of social media in helping them stay connected with others.
He told them: "I love the countryside and I love farming as well. And I am conscious that it's an area that needs maybe a little bit of support and understanding that there is access and support out there for young farmers, as well as making sure we are breaking down any taboos and stigmas around mental health.
"Because I think in the farming world it's maybe not talked about as much as in other sectors - and yet we know it exists.
"So, I particularly wanted to hear a little bit today about how all of you felt and hear it from the horse's mouth whether we're getting better at talking about it, whether you feel the support is out there, what your recollections and feelings are about rural isolation and mental health."
Viki Johnston, who farms with her family on the Glamis Castle estate and also works on a farm near Forfar, said it was good that the prince is taking an interest.
She said: "He was really enthusiastic about young farmers and what we are doing as an association, and he seem really knowledgeable about the struggles we face."
The 25-year-old said the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs offers a support network as farming can be isolating, with farmers sometimes spending up to 16 hours a day working alone.
"He's such a lovely fella"
After the roundtable, William visited the Carnoustie and Monifieth Men's Shed in Carnoustie to hear how the organisation is helping people build a sense of community and learn new skills.
The group was founded in 2015 and is run by local volunteers who meet weekly to take part in a range of activities such as woodwork, crafting and gardening.
William toured the site and heard from members, including Heather Wallace, who was invited to join the Men’s Shed a year ago.
She said: “He’s such a lovely fella.
“He shook my hand, and he thanked me for making the tea and I’m just on cloud nine at the moment.
“Hopefully we’ll get more members out of this.”
She added: “The Men’s Shed is a good place to hug.
“People can be lonely without telling you they’re lonely, so they see it as a place to come and chat.
“I’ve never had a brother, and I’ve got 20 brothers now – it’s such a nice feeling of belonging.”
Local residents tried to catch a glimpse of Prince William before he went inside.
Pam Bange lives near the centre where the Men’s Shed is held.
She said: “I’ve only ever seen him on TV, and what better spot than this? Right on my doorstep.
“I’ve been a fan of the Royal family of years, especially William and Catherine.
“My son actually asked if I could get a selfie with him, but I don’t think he’s allowed to do that!”
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