12 October 2018

Alford Community Campus welcomes royal guest for harvest festival

Dozens of pupils who have been working on projects to celebrate the harvest season had their efforts recognised by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Rothesay.

The royal guest was in attendance at a harvest festival hosted by Alford Community Campus and involving all 13 primary schools within the Alford Academy catchment area on Thursday (Thu, Oct 11).

Deputy Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire Miranda McHardy introduced The Duchess to a line up featuring Deputy Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Ron McKail, Head of Education Vincent Docherty, Marr Area Manager Janelle Clark, Councillors Robbie Withey and Gwyneth Petrie, and school chaplains Rev John Cook and Rev Euan Glenn. Sergeant Niall McDowell was also in attendance.

Her Royal Highness then spoke with delighted pupils as they proudly displayed the harvest projects they have been developing in recent weeks – ranging from charity projects to butter churning and corn-weaving.

As well as stands displaying a range of craft, art and food projects, the tour included a visit to Alford Academy’s home economics department where a cooking class was underway.

The royal visitor then joined invited guests and pupils in the campus theatre for a harvest medley performed by the Alford Academy choir, folk band and dancers.

To commemorate the festival, The Duchess was then invited to unveil a plaque that featured a Doric rhyme in her honour, commenting that it had been ‘lovely to see all the schools together’ and praising their ‘brilliant harvest projects’.

As the event came to a close, Her Royal Highness was introduced to Alford Academy’s prefects before leaving the building as the Alford Academy Pipe Band began to play

Speaking after the event, Deputy Provost of Aberdeenshire Cllr Ron McKail said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Her Royal Highness to Alford for the harvest festival.

“The displays prepared by the pupils from the local schools were very creative and it was clear they enjoyed showing our royal guest their hard work. I’d like to thank everybody who has worked so hard to make the day a success.”

Alford Academy head teacher Moira Milne said: “The harvest festival has been a great opportunity to bring all our schools together and to have HRH The Duchess of Rothesay in attendance has made it extra special.

“We hope The Duchess has enjoyed her time in Alford and takes away happy memories of the day.”