Her Royal Highness followed Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by becoming Patron in 2024. This was The Princess Royal’s first visit as Patron to one of the VHS communities.

During the visit, Her Royal Highness met several of the beneficiaries who live in Earl Haig Gardens together with members of the maintenance team who upkeep the buildings, most of which are over 100 years old.

The Princess Royal also met Mr Leonard Harper Gow, Great Grandson of the charity’s founder, Lord Salvesen, who chatted with her about his family’s history.

He said: “It was a real privilege to meet HRH The Princess Royal who gave me the opportunity to explain my link to Lord Edward Salvesen, my great-grandfather, who had been so involved in starting the charity.”

Her Royal Highness also visited with beneficiaries Tommy and Yvonne Douglas, who have lived in Earl Haig Gardens for around 20 years. They were thrilled to welcome their royal visitor. “What a privilege to have Her Royal Highness in our home. She chatted with us easily, was well informed and asked us some good questions. She’s welcome back anytime!”

Group Captain Bob Kemp, chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are privileged to have The Princess Royal as our Patron. She shows a particular interest in the work of the charity, the upkeep of the buildings, and, especially, in the care and support VHS gives to its beneficiaries.”

Chief executive Kevin Gray, added: “This was a splendid visit despite the weather!  We were thrilled to welcome Her Royal Highness to a Veterans Housing Scotland community for the first time as Patron.

“The Princess Royal is a great supporter of veterans generally and of our disabled veterans in particular.  Everyone she met and chatted with had a story and she was interested to learn of their backgrounds.”