Princess Anne in Moray to open new Gordonstoun coastguard centre

Princess Anne visited Gordonstoun this morning to officially open a new coastguard centre.

The Princess Royal, who is the school’s warden, unveiled a plaque naming the facility ‘The Winthrop-Young Gordonstoun Coastguard Centre’, in memory of a family intrinsically linked with the school. It replaces the previous ‘watchtower’ building opened in 1955 by Prince Philip, which was later used King Charles when he was a member of the coastguard service during his time as a pupil.

The new centre was funded thanks to the support of Antonis Mikellides and family, long-term supporters of the school, who generously donated around £600,000.

Gordonstoun Principal Peter Green said: “The new coastguard centre is a wonderful facility fully equipped to allow students to support HM Coastguard during search and rescue incidents when required.

“Gordonstoun founder Kurt Hahn, one of education’s greatest innovators, said ‘we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give’.

“Like him, I firmly believe that students need to encounter ‘compassion’ during the daily cycle of school life underpinned by our service to the community, where every senior student takes part in one of Gordonstoun’s nine community and rescue services.

“Those in the coastguard team are fully trained to help with search and rescue emergency incidents, which a great example of how students at Gordonstoun are challenged to take part in activities outwith their comfort zone.

“Geoffrey Winthrop-Young, a mountaineer and educator, was instrumental in establishing Gordonstoun and later responsible for its renowned ‘character education, leading to The Outward Bound Movement and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

“The enduring influence of his family is embedded in the fabric of the school today.”

There are currently 21 senior Gordonstoun students – 11 active and 10 training – supporting HM Coastguard. From September, they will be the first cadet corps in the UK to attend live search and rescue call-outs.

King Charles recalled in his first TV broadcast in 1977 how, as a teenager, he found it “extraordinarily exciting and rewarding” to be involved in the coastguard unit at Gordonstoun.

Richard Cavaye, the station officer, said: “The coastguard centre has been fully fitted out with an interactive briefing room, hi-tech screen and maps. There is also a changing area with hard hats, boiler suits, hi-vis jackets, ropes and torches, providing the students with everything they need to respond to emergency incidents at a moment’s notice.

“From September, Gordonstoun will appear as an active coastguard centre live on HM Coastguard’s system. The students will be equipped with emergency pagers and take it in turns to be on-call, ready to respond when an emergency call comes in.

“This is what the students have been training towards, to be on the frontline for these types of real-life incidents. We are delighted to have this new coastguard centre, which will enable us to provide a more comprehensive service to the local community.”

Antonis Mikellides, who is a London-born businessman, said: “Gordonstoun’s education extends beyond academic excellence and physical endeavour – it’s anchored in service to others. This pillar quietly shapes the soul and strengthens communities.

“It forms the heartbeat of leadership, building character not through comfort, but through contribution.

“It is an honour, therefore, for my family and me to be a part of this lasting legacy, and to celebrate a tradition of service that continues to inspire future generations.”

Dr. Geoffrey Winthrop-Young said: “We are delighted that Gordonstoun has chosen to honour the memory of our father and grandfather.

“Our grandfather was closely involved in the development of services at Gordonstoun. Our father, in turn, was an avid sailor during his Gordonstoun days and was fortunate to acquire many skills that prepared him for his wartime duties in the Royal Navy.

“They would have seen the coastguard centre as a combination of the emphasis on service and the spirit of adventure Gordonstoun stands for and would have been truly proud to be associated with it.”

Princess Anne is also visiting Forres and Nairn Riding for the Disabled this afternoon.

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