Prince William steps out in Scotland to tackle loneliness in farming

Prince William visited Scotland on Thursday afternoon.

The Prince of Wales, who holds the title of The Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, began the day on Thursday with a visit to Angus to see some of the community-led organisations that are helping to tackle rural isolation and loneliness.

The Duke kicked off the first engagement of his day north of the border by taking part at a roundtable hosted by Farm Safety Foundation (Yellow Wellies), a charity working throughout the UK to address the attitudes and behaviours to farm safety and poor mental health in the next generation of farmers.

At the roundtable, which was attended by young farmers in the area who are part of the Scottish Association of Young Farmers Clubs, a number of important discussions were held about how to combat loneliness.

Farmers were able to talk openly about the different ways they can be supported in challenging times, with the duke keen to hear their stories as part of his ongoing support to farming communities.

After this roundtable, William, 42, is set to visit a Men’s Shed in Carnoustie to hear about how the organisation has been helping men and women build a sense of community and learn new skills.

The Carnoustie and Monifieth Men’s Shed, which was founded in 2015, is run by local volunteers who meet weekly to take part in a range of activities, such as woodwork, crafting and gardening.

During his visit on Thursday, the Duke will tour the site and hear from members about how the Men’s Shed has enriched their lives by helping them to form friendships and engage in interesting activities.

The future King will also take part in a woodwork activity himself with some of the members, to see first-hand the skills they learn at the Men’s Shed.

The visit on Thursday is part of the Duke’s aim to continue supporting people in farming communities, especially when it comes to their mental health.

In 2023, the Duchy of Cornwall and His Royal Highness launched a new Mental Health Strategy for Duchy tenants, which prioritises farmers’ mental health and works on ways to improve this.

Princess Kate did not accompany William on his visit to Scotland.