King visits UK's newest Unesco World Heritage site

Media caption,

King visits world class Highland peatlands

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King Charles has visited Forsinard, a tiny community at the heart of the UK's newest Unesco World Heritage site.

The Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland covers almost 2,000 sq km (469,500 acres) of one of the most intact and extensive blanket bog systems in the world.

After an almost 40-year campaign, it was awarded the designation earlier this month.

During his visit, the King unveiled a plaque marking the world heritage status.

He also met children from the local area and staff from RSPB Scotland, one of the organisations that supported the Unesco bid.

Image source, Jane Barlow/PA Media
Image caption,

Maree Todd MSP (middle) and MP Jamie Stone (left) were among a group that met King Charles at Forsinard

Image source, Jane Barlow/PA Media
Image source, Jane Barlow/PA Media
Image caption,

A plaque marking the Unesco World Heritage Site award was unveiled during the visit

Image source, Jane Barlow/PA Media
Image caption,

Forsinard, about 100 miles north of Inverness, is a stop on the Highland's Far North railway line

Image source, Jane Barlow/PA Media
Image source, Jane Barlow/PA Media
Image caption,

King Charles signing the visitor book at RSPB Scotland's centre at Forsinard