Princess Anne meets next generation of marine scientists

The environmental education charity runs field study centres across the UK, with the marine research and outdoor education facilities at Millport being the charity’s only site in Scotland.

The Princess Royal was made patron of the Field Studies Council in 2025 and this was her first visit up to the Scottish centre since her appointment. During the tour she met pupils from the Lady of the Mission Primary School, who were visiting the centre whilst on a residential trip, and local students from Cumbrae Primary School which partners with the charity. 

“Each year we welcome thousands of young people to our centres and as a Scot myself, I’m particularly pleased that our learners here at Millport have been given the chance to share their enthusiasm with royalty.”

Mark Castle, chief executive of Field Studies Council

As well as being shown the centre’s aquarium, laboratories and research vessel, which are used for both scientific work and educational visits, Princess Anne also learned about an ongoing research project by students from the University of Salford.

Inspiring the next generation

The Field Studies Council has been operating for 80 years, providing environmental education to some of the UK’s most deprived young people. Its aim is to make outdoor learning and connection to nature more accessible through its residential and day trips.   

Millport was originally a marine research station but is now a leading outdoor activity centre regularly welcoming school, college and university groups looking to study Cumbrae’s rich marine environment. 

Chief executive Mark Castle said: “It was absolutely fantastic to welcome our patron, The Princess Royal, to our centre in Millport and to showcase the role we are playing in nurturing the next generation of marine scientists and talk about significant plans for the future.

“Our first-class facilities enable school groups, university students and visitors to experience first-hand some of the richest coastal environments we have to offer in the UK.”

Centre manager Dr Elke Scheibler said of Princess Anne’s visit: “The centre was a hive of activity with learners busy with practical hands-on science and fieldwork activities. There was so much for her to see and we are really pleased that she was able to witness first-hand all the fantastic work we are doing to engage young people in outdoor learning and marine science.”

School visits

The Field Studies Council provides hands-on experiences and outdoor learning for primary, secondary and further education students studying geography and biology through day and residential trips. 

There are centres across the UK, including Devon, Birmingham and Essex. Activities vary depending on location but can include orienteering, river and stream studies, coastal exploration, rock climbing and snorkelling.