Prince Edward to visit The Scots College, Sydney to unveil faux Scottish castle

Prince Edward is expected to officially open a mock Scottish castle in the grounds of a prestigious private school during his four-day visit to Sydney this week.

Prince Edward is expected to officially open a mock Scottish castle in the grounds of prestigious The Scots College at Bellevue Hill during his four-day visit to Sydney this week.

The Duke of Edinburgh will unveil a plaque on the still unfinished baronial castle that has infuriated parents with costs blowing out to almost $80 million – three times the original quote.

Prince Edward flies in from New Zealand on Monday night after a string of events including time with trainees on board a sailing ship to mark the 60th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme there.

Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, in Singapore this month.

He will take part in official events in Sydney including a short stop at the $40,000 a year The Scots College for a brief unveiling ceremony.

A tiny clique of just 15 staff, parents and old boys will be present for the unveiling despite the internal fit out unlikely to be completed before the end of the year.

The college got approval to demolish the library in 2019 with work on the new castle, dubbed Ian Lambert’s vanity castle after the school principal, due to be completed in 2021.

Among the reasons given for the delay was the difficulties of getting hold of slate from Scotland. The college did not respond to requests for comment.

The Duke of Edinburgh will spend time in Sydney with trainees taking part in the scheme that was founded by his father and began in Australia in 1959.

Plans for the John Cunningham Student Centre at The Scots College.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia chief executive Peter Kaye said more than 800,000 young people had taken part in the “Duke of Ed” in Australia.

“We look forward to welcoming His Royal Highness on his first visit to Australia since taking on the role of Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award earlier this year,” he said.

“This visit is part of a significant chapter for the Duke of Ed in Australia as we celebrate a recent record in the number of young people using the Framework.

“While the Duke of Ed has been operating in Australia for over 60 years, our growing number of participants indicate this Framework is now more relevant than ever among young Australians seeking to build essential life skills, access higher education and gain employment,” he said.