Visit by HRH The Princess Royal - HMS Dasher Memorial, Ardrossan - 29th March 2026

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal attended the Annual HMS Dasher Disaster Commemoration ceremony on Sunday 29th March, and was officially welcomed by the Vice Lord Lieutenant William Stafford. She was accompanied by her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence at this ceremony which honours those who died when HMS Dasher exploded in the Firth of Clyde on 27th March 1943 with the loss of 379 lives. The ceremony and service was organised by the Saltcoats and Stevenston branch of Royal British Legion Scotland and was held at the HMS Dasher memorial  in Ardrossan.

Following a wreath laying ceremony Her Royal Highness met with the families of some of the survivors and subsequently presented them with Artic Star medals. She also met with members of the RBLS, Cadet Forces and members of the public.

At the conclusion of the event Her Royal Highness was presented with a posy by five year old Chloe.

Further information on HMS Dasher can be found on the Scottish Maritime Museum Website www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org/hms-dasher/

Photos courtesy of Caitlyn McDonald