The Duke of Edinburgh awards a great legacy
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for The Duke of Edinburgh, described as a ‘stalwart’ who touched many lives across Ayrshire and beyond.
HRH Prince Philip passed away peacefully at Windsor Castle last Friday morning, aged 99.
Prince Philip visited Ayrshire in 2014 as Her Majesty The Queen officially opened The Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden at Dumfries House, near Cumnock.
The community turned out in force to welcome the Royals as a 1300-strong crowd cheered their arrival, and they were delighted when The Queen and the Duke spent time chatting to donors, volunteers, staff and building contractors at the estate.
Dumfries House – saved for the community in 2007 by Philip’s son Prince Charles – said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of Prince Philip’s death and added: “Our thoughts and prayers are Her Majesty The Queen, our president, HRH The Duke of Rothesay, and the Royal Family, at this time.”
South Ayrshire provost Helen Moonie said: “It’s such a sad loss to Her Majesty the Queen and her family, the nation and the Commonwealth.
“HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was a stalwart for the Royal Family and the nation for over seven decades.
“He touched so many lives through his charitable work in South Ayrshire and beyond.”
Philippa Whitford, Central Ayrshire MP, paid tribute to the late Duke’s charitable work and said: “I think that all of us feel sympathy for The Queen –I think for anyone losing a life partner of so many decades will be painful and it’s clear that he was always a great support to her in her role as Queen. I think for many in society, the biggest thing he will be remembered for is setting up the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
“There will be literally hundreds of young people, and indeed not so young people, in Ayrshire who have gained awards and taken part in that incredible programme to promote resillience among young people.”
Allan Dorans, the MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock, said the Duke’s “legacy lives on” through the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Mr Dorans added: “I personally benefitted from taking part in the scheme almost 50 years ago.
“The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is now available in 144 countries with participation of young people in Ayrshire being amongst the highest in the country.
“His contribution to the support and development of young people throughout the world will be remembered forever.”
East Ayrshire provost Jim Todd said: “His Royal Highness was clearly a loyal and loving support to The Queen over many decades, and his guiding role as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather was equally evident.
“Many of our young people in East Ayrshire, past and present, are still reaping the benefits of achieving a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
“It is a scheme that will undoubtedly continue to grow and transform young lives from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities, serving as an ongoing and fitting tribute to HRH.
“On behalf of the people of East Ayrshire, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy at this sad time.”
The Lieutenancy of Ayrshire and Arran spokesman said: “On behalf of the Lieutenancy, H.M. Lord- Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE offers her deepest sympathies to the Royal Family on the death of His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh.
“His Royal Highness has featured in the life of the nation for many years, as he worked alongside Her Majesty The Queen, supporting her in so many ways during her long and busy reign.
“He will also be remembered for his own contributions and, in particular, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme which he instigated in 1956 and which has helped countless young people meet challenges in their lives.
“Her Majesty The Queen and all the members of the Royal Family are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.”
The Scottish Parliament was recalled on Monday for tributes, with current Ayr Conservative candidate John Scott among those in the chamber.
An online Book of Condolence is available for the late Duke, and messages of sympathy to the Royal Family.
It can be accessed via: https:// www.royal.uk/
Philip touched so many lives through his charitable work in South Ayrshire and beyond