The Duke of Edinburgh Visit Highlights Youth Development at Montrose Community Trust

His Royal Highness, The Earl of Forfar, was on Monday welcomed to Montrose Community Trust (MCT). It was a milestone visit for the impactful local charity, which championed its work in youth development, health and wellbeing, and employment in the local community.

His Royal Highness was greeted by MCT’s CEO, Chris Platt, at the charity’s base in Links Park Stadium. The Trust highlighted its youth development programmes, a cause closely associated with His Royal Highness, who also holds the title of Duke of Edinburgh, through his long-standing support for young people. During the visit, The Duke met participants in the Trust’s Sports Employability Programme (SEP), which provides young people with pathways into employment, further education or apprenticeships in sports and other industries.

Through SEP, the Trust utilises its position as a community connector, arranging work placements, job shadowing and mentorship opportunities within local organisations for 16-25 year olds. The Office for National Statistics reported that an estimated 12.7% of all people aged 16 to 24 years in the UK were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in July to September 2025. Acknowledging this gap, SEP builds confidence and key life skills, while helping participants gain accredited qualifications and providing support with job applications, references and CVs. 

Beyond employability, the Trust highlighted its youth initiatives, including its community garden, which regularly hosts local school pupils for sessions that encourage outdoor learning and environmental awareness. A wide range of volunteering roles across its programmes also provide opportunities for young people to develop and work together with adults. This approach allows different generations to learn from one another, and builds young people’s self belief and social skills while allowing them to feel valued and impactful.

The Trust, which saw more than 22,000 engagements in 2024-25, is committed to providing opportunities for young people, with 60% of its operational team under the age of 25 or have progressed through employability programmes. It is aided by a team of youth volunteers, further demonstrating that MCT’s commitment to youth pathways is a core element of not just its external programmes, but the internal structure of the charity.

Acknowledging that health and fitness are key strands of The Duke’s work, the Trust welcomed His Royal Highness to the pitchside to watch pupils from Montrose Academy participate in one of its regular football sessions. On top of promoting physical activity, these sessions build social skills, team work and resilience in young people, highlighting the role MCT has in providing safe environments for children to develop vital skills alongside supporting grassroots football.

During the visit, The Duke was also shown plans for the charity’s Gable End project, by Mr Platt and Montrose Football Club’s Chief Executive, Peter Stewart. The purpose-built development will revitalise the football ground’s main entrance, encompassing a nationally-leading dementia centre, community hub and a new base for the Trust’s staff. 

Commenting on the visit, Chris Platt, CEO of Montrose Community Trust said: “It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Montrose today. At Montrose Community Trust, we share The Duke’s passion for helping young people reach their full potential, and that passion has led to the development of initiatives like our Sports Employability Programme.”

“The young people in our team and in our volunteer force are brilliant examples of the power of building confidence and social skills through youth programmes  - and as much as we help to develop them, they in turn bring us fresh perspectives, new ideas and better ways to make an impact.”