The King has met a group of budding young engineers with big ambitions on a visit to an underwater industry trade body’s offices.

Charles spoke to the youngsters as he surveyed an impressive scaled-down replica of a remotely-operated underwater vehicle they built during a tour of the Global Underwater Hub’s (GUH) buildings in Westhill, Aberdeenshire.

The Mintlaw Academy pupils previously entered a competition with their replica which was sponsored by the hub, seeking to inspire young people to take up roles in the underwater industry.

 

The school’s deputy principal Ali Hynd said the link-up aimed to bring examples of where knowledge of Stem (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects can be applied in the real world into the classroom.

He said: “This project has given me the opportunity to bring industry into the classroom to make industry real, as well as getting some life-changing experiences for young people.

“Today without a doubt is one of those life-changing experiences, getting to meet His Majesty.”

 

Mr Hynd said some of the youngsters involved in the competition now have ambitions to become mechanical engineers and marine biologists off the back of their involvement in the project, while others are considering more specific roles.

“They’ve all got quite different ideas and that’s the good thing about this project,” he said.

Earlier during his visit, Charles got the chance to pilot an unmanned ship carrying a remote operating vehicle inspecting a wind farm off the coast of the Netherlands.

 

Staff had brought all the equipment needed to operate the ship to the offices in Westhill from elsewhere specially to demonstrate the technology to the King.

On the second floor of the building, Charles met and talked at length with GUH board members and several underwater technology companies demonstrating the latest in deep diving equipment, 3D underwater visualisations and marine science.

The King also unveiled a plaque to commemorate his visit, and GUH chief executive Neil Gordon made a rallying speech to staff to keep up the good work.