Full of praise for Dumfries House
MSP Brian Whittle praises estate
Sarah Jane McDonald An MSP has hailed Dumfries Estate for its education programmes in a motion at the Scottish Parliament.
Conservative health spokesman, Brian Whittle, originally from Troon and a List Tory MSP for the South of Scotland, described the work of the Great Steward of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust as “innovative and highly successful” following his recent visit.
Meeting with members of the Trust who run the estate, alongside volunteers and staff, Brian thanked the team who have been working to promote healthy eating and active lifestyles over the past decade, running workshops for schools and community organisations across Ayrshire.
He said: “After a decade of hard work by everyone involved, it’s fantastic to see the contribution Dumfries House is making to the lives of people in East Ayrshire and beyond.
“The Trust has turned the estate into an incredible resource for the public and their focus on educating children about the benefits of healthy eating and getting them excited about being active is a model I hope others will be keen to follow.
“I look forward to working with Dumfries House in the coming years and support them as their various projects continue to grow.”
The estate is home to a purpose built teaching facility that enables children to be introduced to engineering, a kitchen garden with an education centre promoting healthy eating and a residential centre, enabling groups to participate in outdoor activity weekends.
Deputy executive director of the Dumfries Estate, Kenneth Dunsmuir added: “It is heartening to hear Brian’s praise and acknowledgement of the impact we are making on and around the estate.
“We would encourage Brian and all people to enjoy regular days out at Dumfries House as the estate continues to evolve and the impact of the Trust grows.”