The Duke of Edinburgh has visited Inverclyde to plant a sapling
from the iconic Sycamore Gap tree, bringing a living legacy to the
local community and supporting the work of recovery charity Moving
On Inverclyde.
The original Sycamore Gap tree, part of Hadrian’s Wall, was
unlawfully felled two years ago, sparking international
condemnation. The sapling, gifted through the National Trust’s
Trees of Hope initiative, is one of only 49 distributed nationwide,
with Moving On Inverclyde among just two Scottish recipients.
Bev Thow, chief executive of Moving On Inverclyde, welcomed
Prince Edward and explained the significance of the tree as a
symbol of resilience, healing, and new beginnings.
She told the Greenock Telegraph:
“It was a profound honour to share this moment of reflection, hope
and renewal with His Royal Highness.
“At Moving On Inverclyde, we see every day how recovery is
nurtured through care, connection and belief in what comes next.
This sapling will stand as a lasting reminder that even after loss,
growth is still possible.”
Edward was introduced to the charity’s staff and Inverclyde
Council horticultural team, including apprentices Jack McKerracher
and Lewis McGhee, who assisted in the ceremonial planting. Lewis,
18, described the experience as an unexpected but memorable part of
his apprenticeship.
Members of the public were delighted by the royal visit. Local
resident Christine Currie said, “We were just out for a walk and I
couldn’t believe it. It is unbelievable. Prince Edward looks great
and he seemed to enjoy talking to everyone.”
The day also included a tour of the Beacon Arts Centre and a
celebration of local talent as part of the Inverclyde Music
Festival, highlighting the role of the arts in community
cohesion.
Moving On Inverclyde, established 24 years ago, supports
individuals and families affected by problematic substance use. The
newly planted sapling will continue to grow in Battery Park as a
living reminder that, even after loss, hope and renewal can take
root and flourish.
Prince Edward’s visit comes amid his recent public comments on
the Jeffrey Epstein files, emphasising that the focus should remain
on the victims. He is the first royal to publicly address the
controversy, underscoring his commitment to supporting those
affected rather than the notoriety surrounding the scandal
involving his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source royalcentral.co.uk ’
