HRH Duke of Rothesay visit to the Clydesdale Horse Sculpture

Prior to the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8th of September, Lanark Community Development Trust had arranged a Royal visit from HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay. This visit took place on the 7th of September as planned. At the time no-one could have expected the events of the following day to take place. As a mark of respect for the Royal family, LCDT delayed the publication of the visit.

 LCDT was thrilled to welcome Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay to the Clydesdale Horse Sculpture at Lanark Auction Market. As patron of the Clydesdale Horse Society, the Duke has had a keen interest in LCDT’s project.

 The Clydesdale horse sculpture, which stands an impressive 3 metres tall, was erected to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Clydesdale breed at Lochlyoch Farm, by Tinto in 1720 and also to highlight Lanark’s strong connection to the breed through its horse sales which took place regularly in the town from the 1700s until the 1960s.

 The Duke was met by Chairman of LCDT, Sylvia Russell, to inspect the magnificent statue. In attendance with their Clydesdale horses were Police Scotland Mounted branch, Jim and Linzi Kennedy and the Tennant family.

 The Duke met Sculptor Dan Adams, from CodSteaks, who was responsible for the design and build of the mighty Clydesdale statue. Dan said it was a great privilege to meet the Duke and thanked the Trust for the opportunity.

The Duke was then taken from the statue site along to the auction market, via horse and carriage. Ronnie Walker had brought his splendid carriage along with his own Clydesdale horse. Riding alongside the Duke in the carriage was Millar Stoddart, Deputy Lord Lieutenant.

 The Duke of Rothesay was then taken into the Symington Suit, where Sylvia introduced him to directors of Lawrie & Symington, Clydesdale Horse Society patrons, LCDT directors and major donors and supporters of the Clydesdale Horse project. The Duke then inspected an exhibition of Clydesdale horse memorabilia and artefacts. Sylvia invited the Duke to unveil a plaque, commemorating the visit as well as celebrating 300 years of the Clydesdale breed.

He was then presented with Clydesdale Gin, a gift from the Wee Farm Distillery, some honey from Castlebank Park and set of mugs from the Clydesdale Horse Society.

 The Duke took time to watch the black-faced ewe sale that was taking place at the market before departing, talking to members of the public in the foyer.

 Sylvia Russell said, “it has been a very special occasion to celebrate the installation of the statue, and a nice way to finish this project. The Duke has been a great supporter of the whole thing, and has even written the foreword in the book we produced. As chairman of the Trust, I would like to thank him for taking the time to visit the statue and to meet with those who helped make it possible, it’s been a truly great day.

I would also like to express Lanark Community Development’s sincere condolences on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. God save the King”.