Royal Appointment Shines Light on Disability Advocacy

We have welcomed Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh as our new royal patron, continuing our longstanding connection with the Royal Family.

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s appointment comes as a significant moment for our charity, which has been at the forefront of supporting disabled people for over 75 years. The announcement aligns with the International Day of People with Disabilities, a fitting moment to highlight our commitment to empowering disabled people and promoting inclusivity.

Former Royal Patron, the late Prince Philip, supported us for over six decades, which included visits to Capability Scotland’s facilities, such as the opening of Upper Springland in Perth, and the 60th-anniversary celebrations in 2006.

The Duchess of Edinburgh has already demonstrated her interest in our work, with recent visits to our Riccarton Hub and Craigmillar Hub.

During her visit to Craigmillar earlier this year, Her Royal Highness engaged with people we support and staff, toured the sensory and art spaces, and received a heartfelt gift created by those supported at the hub.

As Royal Patron, the Duchess will lend her support to our new mission, attend key events such as our 80th-anniversary celebrations and engage with our transformative work.

Her role will also include recognising and celebrating the efforts of our fantastic staff and volunteers.

Brian Logan, Chief Executive, welcomed the news, highlighting the importance of the ongoing royal support: “We are incredibly honoured to welcome The Duchess of Edinburgh as our new Royal Patron. Her passion for championing the rights of disabled people and her connection to our cause is inspiring.

“The Duchess has already shown great interest in our work through her visits, engaging with the people we support and learning about the wide range of services we provide.

“Her involvement will undoubtedly help us shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by disabled people in Scotland, while also celebrating their achievements.

“This appointment continues a remarkable legacy of royal support for Capability Scotland, which began with the late Duke of Edinburgh more than six decades ago. Her Royal Highness’s patronage is a testament to the importance of our mission, and we look forward to working together to create a more inclusive and equitable society for disabled people."