PRINCESS Anne recently visited the state-of-the-art surroundings of the Erne South West College campus, and even played her part in contributing to the college's sustainable future.

A focal point of the visit was the college's sustainability, and Princess Anne was visibly impressed as she was given a tour of the fully passive building, which is renowned across the world for its eco-friendly credentials.

This sustainable theme was evident throughout the landmark visit, and closed with Her Majesty planting a rowan tree in a green space adjacent to the college entrance.

When offered a small garden spade to plant the tree, Princess Anne gestured for a larger spade.

The planting of the tree was met with a round of applause from dozens of students and college staff who had gathered.

Erne Campus students Linda Thompson and Jamie Livingstone then presented Her Majesty with special gifts; a bouquet of flowers, and a special painting of Enniskillen by local artist, Michelle Duffy. 

Jamie, who is studying Hospitality and Tourism Management at the campus, described meeting Princess Anne as "very special". 

"I really enjoyed being given the opportunity to be part of the occasion, and to be able to meet Princess Anne in person was memorable, to say the least.

"She was really lovely, and she was keen to get a bit of background info about us. She was really interested in what we are studying, our experiences, and how we are doing here in the college."

Similarly, Linda described the encounter with Princess Anne as "surreal".

"She took her time with everyone, and got to know everyone better than just a flying visit," she said. "If I had to sum it up in one word, it was surreal. It still hasn't sank in."

Meanwhile, local artist Michelle Duffy  said seeing one of her paintings being presented to Princess Anne is "an occasion she will never forget".

"I am in disbelief, and to see her accept my painting is the greatest honour I have experienced so far," she said. "The painting is of Enniskillen, and the frame was made in Kesh.

"Hopefully it will remind her of this special occasion. It has been truly memorable for all involved."

Earlier on in the visit, Princess Anne met members of the college staff and visited various facilities within the education hub.

However, while a focus on the future was evident during the visit - for instance, Princess Anne marvelled at a robot showcased by local students - nods to a rich local heritage were also written large.

Throughout the visit, the Princess Royal spoke warmly with college students about their college work, special interests, ongoing projects, and aspirations for the future.

Flanked by college staff, Princess Anne was then given an intimate tour of the Enniskillen Workhouse, which was redeveloped thanks to a £2,343,000 grant by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  

Speaking at the close of the visit, Deputy Lieutenant, Hamish Logan, said everyone was "most impressed by her knowledge and interest and each topic".

Reflecting on the visit of Princess Anne, Celine McCartan, principal of South West College, said:  “Welcoming Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal to the Erne Campus, has been a pleasure for me and the wider South West College team.

"The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the college’s commitment to further and higher education, sustainability, community engagement, and the continued development of our local economy in Fermanagh and the wider region.

"As part of the event, we also welcomed to the college representatives from schools, voluntary organisations and local industry and businesses, as well as cross-Border partners, highlighting the college’s commitment to ongoing collaboration and partnership working.”

For additional photos from Princess Anne's visit, pick up a copy of this week's Impartial Reporter.