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King Charles III greets Inverness community stalwart Dell McClurg during Royal Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh





King Charles III mingled among the 8000 invited guests, which included Dell McClurg who was awarded a British Empire Medal in the most recent New Year Honours list.
King Charles III mingled among the 8000 invited guests, which included Dell McClurg who was awarded a British Empire Medal in the most recent New Year Honours list.

Highland community stalwart Dell McClurg was among those to meet the King during a special garden party in Edinburgh.

The 74-year-old, who has championed the Merkinch and South Kessock neighbourhoods of Inverness for many decades and was awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year Honours in recognition of her tireless work, was among more than 8000 guests from across Scotland who attended the annual Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse.

And footage of her meeting Charles III has been shared by the official Royal Family social media channels as part of its publicity of the happy occasion.

A statement from the Royal Family said: “The Royal Garden Party celebrates those who have made positive contributions to Scottish communities.

“Guests from the Highlands to the Borders enjoyed tea, sandwiches and the famous Palace cake while mingling in the historic gardens.

“His Majesty was joined by other members of the Royal Family as they met representatives from Scottish charities, community organisations, local businesses, and public service workers who continue to make a difference throughout the nation.

“The Garden Party at Holyroodhouse is a tradition dating back to the reign of King George V and Queen Mary, forming an important part of Royal Week in Scotland.”

Dell’s invite to the garden party came after she was awarded her BEM at the start of this year for her services to the community and wildlife.

Speaking at the time, a spokesperson for the Cabinet Office highlighted the many reasons why she had been honoured:

They said: “She became the voice of the voiceless and has ensured they have been heard for over 40 years.

King Charles III tipped his hat as he walked up to Ms McClurg.
King Charles III tipped his hat as he walked up to Ms McClurg.

“From the early steps of creating a playgroup to saving the local primary school and the community hall, she has hesitated to step in when her community needed her.

“A member of the community council for over four decades and latterly chair for 13 years she not only encouraged support for the Friends of Merkinch Local Reserve, but is also a hugely active supporter and campaigner for this amazing ‘island’ of true wilderness in the community.

“One of her many roles, that of project worker for local vulnerable children, ensures each child learns to appreciate and value nature and this is the first step in their healing.”


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