Margaret made a world of difference
home. After she moved from Beoch, she would still return for dog walks.
She was born at Sauchrie House, down the hill from Beoch, the daughter of Sir Thomas Charles Dunlop of Doonside, Alloway. Both his Lordship – affectionately known as Jock the Sock – and Lady MacLehose loved Beoch.
She turned the hillside garden into a place of beauty.
Margaret founded the Plant Heritage Ayrshire Group and was its honorary president.
She was presented with
The Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Medal for her outstanding services to Scottish Horticulture through her work with the National Council for the Preservation of Plants and Gardens and Scotland’s Gardens Scheme.
The citation read: “Following on from a childhood interest in wild and garden flowers, a series of postings abroad provided Lady MacLehose with opportunities to study native floras in various countries and seek plants which might thrive in her Ayrshire garden.
“Her sterling work in Hong Kong, where her late husband was Governor for some years, is of particular note.
“There, she was not only involved personally in plant collecting but, with generosity and skill, greatly facilitated the work of other collectors.
“Lady MacLehose is perhaps better known for her valued services to the National Council for Conservation of Plants and Gardens – she set up the Ayrshire and Arran Group and was the first Scottish representative on the NCCPG
Margaret founded Riding for the Disabled in Hong Kong in 1975
Council – and Scotland’s Garden Scheme.
“High in the windswept Carrick Hill, her delightful and unusual garden shelters choice ornamental trees and shrubs from more favourable climes – that they flourish in so harsh an environment is a tribute to her dedication and skill.
“Her many friends and colleagues have good reason to appreciate her enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment.”
The couple had two children, the Honourable Elfrida and Hon Sylvia. Elfrida died ten years ago.
She also rendered tremendous support to children and adults with disabilities