Published: Thursday, 28th February, 2008 10:00
Flying visit by prince
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A FLYING visit by His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, to the John Muir Birthplace in Dunbar on Wednesday has been declared a great success.
Around 40 people gathered outside the High Street museum as the Earl of Wessex arrived at 1.30pm, in a black Jaguar, for a grand tour of the establishment – which celebrates the life and works of Dunbar-born, world-famous conservationist John Muir.
Received by East Lothian’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Stephen Bunyan, Her Majesty the Queen’s youngest son was also welcomed by county provost, Councillor Sheena Richardson, and Inspector Sean Scott, of Lothian and Borders Police, among others.
After enjoying a guided tour of the museum’s exhibitions, HRH spoke with pupils from Dunbar Grammar School and Dunbar Primary School, who are studying for the John Muir Discovery Award.
P5 pupil Honor Ferguson said: “We also told him about the flowers we had planted in our school’s John Muir garden, which will become crocus and daffodils in the springtime.”
Kirstin Docherty and Graeme Watkins, from Haddington’s Tynebank Resource Centre, also spoke with HRH, and Kirstin presented the Earl with a book for his children, as his 30-minute visit neared an end.
The prince also became the first recipient of John Muir Birthplace Trust trustee Will Collin’s new book, entitled John Muir: Close to Nature’s Beating Heart.
The Dunbar birthplace of the pioneering conservationist has been transformed into a visitor attraction highlighting his work and achievements.
“It was an excellent visit and everything went swimmingly,” said Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mr Bunyan, who also chairs Dunbar Community Council.
“I will be retiring from my post as Depute Lord Lieutenant in October, so unless something far more impressive happens, this was a royal climax for me.”
The smiling prince waved and shouted goodbye to the remaining crowd, who granted him a small cheer as he departed for Berwickshire.
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Honoured by Her Majesty