Prince Charles officially opens refurbished Rogart Mart and visits the community's war memorial
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A small East Sutherland community yesterday gave a right royal welcome to a very special guest.
Prince Charles visited Rogart to officially open its auction mart which has been refurbished as a music and cultural venue.
The Duke of Rothesay, as he is known in Scotland, was accompanied by newly appointed Sutherland Lord Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott. He cut a ribbon to declare the mart officially open.
He was shown round the historic space which still bears the hallmarks of its heyday when up to 1200 lambs were sold in a single day. The tiered seating is intact and photographs adorn the walls.
The prince met members of Rogart Development Trust (RDT), the community group which oversaw the ambitious mart project, as well as members of the community and the sons and grandsons of the mart’s founders.
He was entertained by accordionists from Monica Maclean’s Rogart Martistes, dancers from Rogart Primary School past and present, fiddle and accordion duo Eilidh Mackay and Georgie Maclennan, and singer Chrissie Allan.
After the toasts, plaque unveiling and ribbon cutting, the prince then visited Rogart’s award-winning war memorial, accompanied by local veterans.
Project coordinator Kate Roach of Rogart Development Trust said: “It’s wonderful to see the mart back into use in the heart of the community, and we are delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Rothesay was able to be here with us today, sharing a dram and the tales of yesteryear with local folk.”
RDT Chairman Jonathan Hedges said,” We are very grateful to our grant funders. This would not have been possible without the support of Scottish Land Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Kilbraur Windfarm Community Benefit Trust, SSE, Architectural Heritage Fund and Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust.”
The Mart was purchased in 2018 by the community and work to develop it began in February 2022.
