Charles raises a glass north of border

IT IS the country's most northerly microbrewery and its signature ale is named after the local tides that sweep around the headland.
The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, tries a pint a pint of Swelkie Golden Ale during a visit to the John O'Groats Brewery in John O'GroatsThe Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, tries a pint a pint of Swelkie Golden Ale during a visit to the John O'Groats Brewery in John O'Groats
The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay while in Scotland, tries a pint a pint of Swelkie Golden Ale during a visit to the John O'Groats Brewery in John O'Groats

Prince Charles seemed to approve of the taste of Swelkie Golden as he sampled a half pint at the John O’Groats Brewery in Caithness.

The Prince of Wales, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, wore a Charles Edward Stuart kilt for the engagement, one of several during his annual visit to the nearby Castle of Mey.

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His first official duty of the day had been to meet the crew of the Boy Andrew, a 27.5-metre seine netter costing £2.8m and built by a Danish company.

It is one of only two white fishing vessels which operate from Caithness.

Skipper Andrew Bremner Senior said: “He was interested in cod, which is now Marine Stewardship Council-credited, meaning it is now safe to eat as stocks have made a remarkable recovery, and he was interested to find out why.”

Charles then visited the Captain’s Galley seafood restaurant in Scrabster, where he met owners Jim and Mary Cowie.

Tourists from the Pacific Princess cruise ship, which was docked nearby, formed a throng outside the restaurant to get a photo of the royal visitor.