Prince Charles and Camilla enjoyed a textile tour of the Borders today.
Their Royal Highnesses, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, took in Robert Noble Mill in Peebles before travelling to Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textile and Design and finally Johnston’s of Elgin in Hawick.
Their visit to Heriot-Watt was delayed as low cloud in Peebles forced the Royal helicopter to remain grounded in Edinburgh, with the Prince of Wales and his wife instead using a car to get to Peebles and Galashiels.
Camilla, wearing a knee-length sage dress, and Charles, in a Hunting Stewart modern tartan kilt and Royal Regiment of Scotland tie, were told how the school is one of the oldest of its kind in the world, now specialising in design and technology of textiles, colour and fashion.
As they prepared to leave for Hawick, Charles received a framed sketch of wild birds made and presented by Rose Thomasson, while Camilla was handed a printed silk scarf produced by fellow student Lesley Marr.
And the couple were also presented with a Royal baby blanket, made of 100 per cent Cashmere from Johnston’s of Elgin and designed by lecturer Emily Quinn, to give to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, ahead of her expected first child with Prince William next month.
Lesley said: “Camilla seemed to like my scarf – she put it on right away.
“We are all graduating on Friday (tomorrow) so this visit has made it extra special.”