On Wednesday 7 September staff and pupils at the Isle of Raasay Primary enjoyed the chance to host a special guest when HRH The Princess Royal visited their school.

Her arrival was heralded by the school’s piping tutor Mr Eddie Seaman who performed a selection of tunes as Head Teacher Mrs Wilma Duncan extended a warm welcome and presented School Clerical, Mrs Rhona Gillies, Classroom Assistant Mrs Catherine MacLeod, School Cook and Cleaner, Mrs Ann McGowan and Parent Council Representative, Mr Iain Hill.

Once inside, before meeting the 5 pupils currently attending the school, HRH had the chance to chat with former Head Teacher Mrs Sandra Smith, as well as the Highland Council’s Area Education and Learning Manager Mrs Mhairi MacDonald and recently retired Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mr John Laing.

Class Teacher Miss Donna Mackenzie then introduced the pupils Hamish Blair P7, Calum Duncan P6, Alexander Hill P3, Harrison Downie P2 and Eachann Hill P1. HRH then had the opportunity to look over a display of classwork and find out more about the recent projects pupils have been working on.

She was then entertained by pupils performing `Make Your Way to Stornoway’ and reciting Gaelic poetry before Gaelic Singer Ms Anne Martin introduced their Treoir Project which relates to the cleared village of Fearns. HRH enjoyed listening to Mrs Martin and the pupils perform ‘Tobhta Fearna’, a song composed by the children for the project.

After hearing some background to the story of Calum’s Road, The Princess Royal was presented with a gift of Calum’s Road book by Hamish Blair. Calum Duncan then presented a copy of a poem created by the children for the Treoir Project and on behalf of all the staff and pupils, Alexander Hill presented a scarf of Raasay tartan design woven by local weaver Miss Lillian MacLeod.

The visit drew to a close with Her Royal Highness being invited to sign the visitor book before being given a rousing send off by pupils, staff and guests and the playing of the pipes.

Speaking after the visit, Head Teacher Wilma Duncan said: “We all really enjoyed the chance to showcase some of the excellent work pupils are doing at our small school. Her Royal Highness showed a lot of interest and asked lots of questions. I want to thank the pupils, staff and the wider school community for all their efforts to ensure the visit was such a success.