Edinburgh visit leads to a right royal chat

Callum Dewar, George Bladen, Matthew Carmichael, Euan Martin, Ross Dewar and Corey Jackson were selected to represent the Boys’ Brigade 1st Lenzie Company at the Heart and Soul Festival, which was held recently in Princes Street Gardens.

The Church of Scotland event, which coincided with the church’s General Assembly, attracted thousands to Scotland’s capital to enjoy a range of music, worship and exhibitions.

The annual festival is dedicated to celebrating the life of the church, with this year’s theme being international heritage, relationships and partners.

In addition to chatting to HRH Prince Edward about their involvement in the Boys’ Brigade, the young people also had the chance to meet with the Right Reverend John Chalmers, the new Moderator of the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly.

The Prince was attending the event alongside his wife Sophie, the Countess of Wessex.

Callum (17) said: “It was a fantastic experience representing The Boys’ Brigade at Heart and Soul, meeting fellow members of the Church of Scotland from all over the country and abroad.

“Chatting with HRH Prince Edward, topped off the experience for me and the other boys.”

Boys’ Brigade Scotland director Bill Stevenson was full of praise for the boys from Lenzie.

He said: “Representatives from the 1st Lenzie Company performed an important role in showcasing and talking about the role the organisation plays in the lives of young people across the UK, to dignitaries at the Heart and Soul Festival.

“Each of them spoke with passion, understanding and belief and I’m sure it will be a day they will never forget.”

In Scotland, The Boys’ Brigade cares for and challenges young people through a programme of informal education in a fun way.

Each week around 20,000 young people, aged five to 18, take part in one of its 450 groups. Go to www.boys-brigade.org.uk