Britain's Prince Charles is to be awarded the Freedom of Caithness early next month. The ceremony has been confirmed to take place on Monday, August 4 to coincide with the date of birth of the late Queen Mother, who was also granted the Freedom of Caithness in 1990. The Highland Council agreed to bestow the honour on the 59-year-old royal to mark his strong links with the Scottish county. A source told Scotland's John O'Groat Journal newspaper: "Since the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, the prince has maintained a strong connection with her former private residence at the Castle of Mey, continuing her tradition of spending time in the summer there and engaging with various aspects of local community life. "In addition, through his North Highland Initiative, His Royal Highness continues to be actively involved in promoting Caithness and the North Highlands area at a national level." Prince Charles - who is officially known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland - will spend two days in the county when receiving the award. His appointments will include a visit to the Mey Selections offices, a Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama master class and a viewing of the Society of Caithness Artists' annual summer exhibition at Thurso High School.