Prince Of Wales Opens New Visitor Centre At Castle Of Mey

3rd August 2007

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today opened a visitor's centre built in memory of The Late Queen Mother.

The £900,000 centre is based at The Castle of Mey, The Queen Mother's former summer residence.

Today marks the 107th anniversary of her birth.

Their Royal Highnesses, who are known as The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, are currently staying at the castle, which lies in the far north of Scotland.

At a reception in the centre this evening, The Prince addressed 150 specially invited guests.

His Royal Highness told them: "By a very, very happy and remarkable coincidence today is the 107th anniversary of my darling grandmother's birthday.

"August the fourth could not be a more auspicious day to open this wonderful new visitor's centre."

The Prince, who wore kilt of Hunting Stewart tartan, recounted happy memories of visiting the castle as a young boy.

He told how his grandmother had her own unique way of bidding the family farewell when they left on The Royal Yacht Britannia.

"We set off back again the yacht and sailed past here to find my grandmother and all the guests standing, probably on roughly this spot, waving old Corgi dog towels, sheets, you name it."

This led to a roar of laughter from the assembled audience. Their Royal Highnesses then unveiled a plaque.

It read: "The Castle of Mey Visitor's Centre. Built in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother."

The environmentally friendly centre was designed by castle operators, The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust.

Its walls are lined with Douglas Fir themes and Larch and it is insulated with sheet wool. Heating will be provided by a geothermal pump.

Earlier today Their Royal Highnesses attended the annual Mey Highland Games and watched traditional Scottish competition which included Tug-O-War, tossing the caber and hammer throwing.