PRINCESS Anne visited Moray today, stopping off at three locations in Forres and Findhorn to meet local leaders and volunteers.

The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter, landing in Grant Park at 1.30pm, and ended her tour by being taken on a boat trip around Findhorn shortly before 5pm.

Her first stop was at the Tolbooth, where she met with and thanked volunteers and local residents for their efforts during the pandemic – before being met by a crowd of around 50 onlookers on the high street outside.

After a trip to AJ Engineering, where she opened the company’s new complex at Waterford, she ended the afternoon in Findhorn by presenting Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service – before a short boat trip around the bay.

Moray’s Lord Lieutenant Seymour Monro said: “It was a terrific day and I’m so pleased that – at the third attempt – the Princess Royal managed to get to Moray. She loves coming to Moray.

“We had three very different events, we met community leaders, volunteers and key workers in the Tolbooth, then we went to see AJ Engineering which she loved.

“Then we visited Findhorn. She loves the sea and has been to MIRO before, so I’m absolutely delighted she was able to present the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to them because they are an outstanding organisation and it’s thoroughly deserved.”

MIRO chairman John Lowe said it was a great honour to receive the Queen’s Award – which was originally due to be presented in May before a Covid-19 outbreak in the area.

He added: “It’s been a long journey for MIRO since 2005. The Princess was here in 2012 for the dedication of one of our last boats so it’s nice that she’s taken time to come back and see us all again – and especially with this award.

“Although this is an award for MIRO, it’s really an award for the whole village because the village has supported MIRO so well since its inception.”