Prince Charles joins Dumfries House party

THE Prince of Wales arrived at Dumfries House last night to take part in celebrations marking the completion of work to upgrade the stately home.

The property, which has been described as one of Britain's most important houses, was originally put up for sale by the aristocratic former racing driver Johnny Bute.

The Prince led a successful 45 million bid to secure the property, which was bought by a consortium of charities and trusts in June 2007.

Three years later, the estate in Cumnock, East Ayrshire, last night welcomed the prince for a gala reception and dinner to mark the end of building work, which will make it suitable for hire for major functions.

The contents of the mansion, which was designed 250 years ago, include one of the greatest collections of Chippendale furniture in the world.