Prince Charles visits housing estate behind The Scheme

The Scheme: Prince Charles visited the Onthank area of Kilmarnock where the programme was made.© SWNS

The Prince of Wales has visited a housing estate made famous by TV documentary The Scheme.

Prince Charles toured the North West Youth Project in Onthank, Kilmarnock, and the North West Kilmarnock Area Community Centre on Friday.

Six families living on the Onthank estate were filmed for BBC Scotland's controversial show The Scheme in May 2010.

Charles, who is styled the Duke of Rothesay in Scotland, met the Cree family who featured in the documentary.

Marion Cree told the Duke about a community garden project they have been raising funds for. Afterwards she said: "It was brilliant to meet him, he seemed really interested in the project and told us to keep up the hard work.

"We were a bit nervous, but 'good nervous', and now we want me invite him back to open the garden in August.

"It's a big deal having a royal in Onthank and really good for the area."

Charles was given a warm welcome by residents and posed for photos with excited youngsters.

Tony Craig, 19, and Kaileigh Cassidy, 15, asked to pose for a photo and he happily obliged.

Kaileigh said: "I asked him for a photo and he asked why I wasn't in school. I told him I'm looking after my mum because she's recovering from cancer. He said that was a shame but he was pleased when I told him she was given the all-clear last week.

"I read in the paper that he was coming down and the whole scheme has been buzzing to see him."

The Prince showed his sporting side during the visit by taking part in an archery lesson and watching amateur boxers train.

Charles hit the target with his first shot with the bow and arrow, and impressed the youngsters taking part in the lesson.

Jason Wilson, 11, said: "He was really good for his first time. He didn't hit the bullseye like me but this is my third lesson, so if he keeps practising he could be really good."

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