Executive director Aine Purcell-Milton and co-founder Howard Wood represented the Community of Arran Seabed Trust at a celebration of the King Charles III Charitable Fund.
It marked the £50 million milestone of the fund, raised through the sale of Waitrose Duchy Organic products.
Some of that funding supported the incredible conservation work carried out by the COAST team.
(Image: Jeffrey Osei-Tutu)
The two COAST representatives said: “It was a privilege not only to meet His Majesty The King, but also to discuss our shared vision for recovering our seas.
“His Majesty’s ‘virtuous circle’, set in motion 35 years ago, connecting farmers, consumers, and charitable causes, resonates strongly with us.
“It reflects the same principle that drives our work: everything in nature is interconnected. Healthy seas mean thriving communities, resilient ecosystems, and a better future for all.”
They added: “We are deeply grateful to the King Charles III Charitable Fund and to Waitrose for recognising the importance of community-led marine conservation on Arran and for standing behind grassroots organisations making change at the local level.
“This milestone shows what is possible when vision and action align. Here’s to protecting the seabed, supporting communities, and continuing this shared journey toward a healthier, sustainable planet.”
(Image: Jeffrey Osei-Tutu)
Aine Purcell-Milton added: “From the seabed of Arran, a small island community has shown that when people come together to care for their seas, nature begins to heal and hope returns to the water.
“With the support of the King Charles III Charitable Fund, COAST will continue turning local passion into powerful proof that determined communities can restore our seas’ life and spirit.”
Earlier this year, COAST played a key role in Sir David Attenborough’s acclaimed documentary Ocean, which highlighted their work developing Arran’s No Take Zone and Marine Protected Area, as examples of successful sealife recovery.