The Prince and Princess of Wales meet families on the Isle of Mull

Their Royal Highnesses visited the Isle of Mull to connect with rural island communities. As part of the visit, they met families at Aros Hall, a much-loved community space in Tobermory, which is one of two places on Mull to receive a grant from The Royal Foundation Community Impact Programme.

As a result of the grant, Aros Hall is being re-designed, upgrading facilities to provide new opportunities for residents of all ages to come together and take part in activities that support their health and wellbeing.

The space is already an essential part of the community, regularly used by local charity Home-Start Lorn to support parents and carers in building strong relationships with their children, which is so important in those early months and years. During their visit, Their Royal Highnesses met the Home-Start team to learn how the Shaping Us Framework informs their efforts.

The new work will include the refurbishment of the ‘Rainydays’ play area and the introduction of a new soft play zone, following parents’ feedback about the need for more play opportunities for children in the North of Mull.

Local interior designer and BBC ‘Designing the Hebrides’ presenter, Banjo Beale, has volunteered his expertise to collaborate with residents to create spaces that reflect the island’s coastal beauty and vibrant culture. The Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood members, the Lego Group and The Co-op, have also contributed resources and funding for play equipment.