THE DUKE of York’s week of official engagements in Scotland saw him visit Glenrothes yesterday.

Prince Andrew began his whirlwind tour by meeting youths and staff at Glenrothes YMCA in North Street in his role as Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

He chatted with teenagers and learned more about the vital work the organisation does in the Glenrothes area to help the young, homeless and other disadvantaged groups.

He met young girls from the Leslie Cottages who left home at 16 and are looked after by dedicated support workers before speaking to young men over 18 resident at the WASH Project in Alexander Road.

At both places, YMCA staff help them with cooking, cleaning, budgeting and life skills in preparation for living in a council flat.

YMCA director Mary Hill said, “We are delighted his royal highness could visit the Christian projects we have for young people in Glenrothes and Fife. We hope this will raise the profile of our charitable work and encourage other people to volunteer and assist us.”

More than 15 volunteers from Glenrothes Churches Together, which runs a free cafe for homeless people at the YMCA once a week, were then introduced to him before he concluded his visit by meeting pupils from the Glenrothes High School Scripture Union group.

His next stop was Haldane UK, where he presented the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, which the firm won last year for its continuous development of equipment and technology used in the architectural joinery sector. In 10 years, turnover has quadrupled to £2.8 million and workforce increased from 16 to 52.

The duke also officially opened Haldane’s factory extension, doubling the size of the existing premises.

He saw how the firm has become one of the most advanced timber manufacturers in the world with its investment in technology coupled with a manufacturing efficiency programme recognised by the DTI.

Managing director Forrester Adam said, “Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is one of the highest achievements any UK company can achieve and receiving the award from his royal highness was the icing on the cake.

“He was particularly interested in the technology we used to manufacture the intricate balustrades in the restoration of the Queen’s Prayer Room following the fire at Windsor Castle.”

Haldane has invested over £500,000 in technology used to machine aluminium.

Its expertise has revolutionised the UK timber components industry.

It can accurately machine and replicate complex components in 45 minutes, where competitors would need one and half days to hand-carve them.