Prince Charles’s big wedding plan
Son ties knot . . . now he wants a slice of the pot
Prince Charles is set to cash in on the lucrative wedding market.
And as he proudly watched Prince Harry and Meghan Markle marry, HRH has been involved in his own wedding plans.
The Prince’s Dumfries House is set to take on Scotland’s elite wedding venues with a multimillion pound specially built wedding and conference venue.
The spectacular oak- framed building within an historic wood will be able to seat 200 wedding guests.
Income generated from the weddings is vital to continue to fund the Prince’s vision for the estate and Cumnock area.
And the architect revealed: “It will be unique in character and of the highest quality.”
The cruck- framed ‘ Events Pavilion’ building will be clad in larch boards and cedar shingles on the roof to blend into the 30- acre Shaw Wood.
The one- acre spot is in a clearing so only 83 trees will have to be axed compared with many thousands that have been planted by the Prince’s team.
It is not far from Dumfries House, but does not detract from its setting.
The astonishing proposal has been created by West Linton- based Dovecote Architecture.
The structure is 144 feet long and will include full kitchens, wine and beer cellars and events office.
By comparison the main portion of the Robert Adam Palladian house, without the supporting wings, is just 95 feet long.
A statement to be put before East Ayrshire Council says: “Event hosting is vitally important to the survival of all that goes on within Dumfries House Estate and farther afield where the Foundation is leading local regneration projects and community initiatives.
“Income generation by weddings and corporate event hosting is essential to the day to day running of the Estate.”
Under the stewardship of Prince Charles, the house and estate now direclty employ 160 people.
Due to the listing status weddings have been held in a semipermanent marquee attached to the side of Dumfries House.
Permission for it runs out in three years and it will be dismantled.
The road which previously ran round the edge of the big house will then be re- instated.
The new building design is already starring in a YouTube video. which gives a full digital walk- through.
Green measures include a hidden array of solar panels and pellet burning heating.
The trees to be axed are 32 of various species, 29 commercial pines and 22 oaks.
The oaks will be used in building the traditional English barn- like frame.
Outside the gardens will be arts and crafts instyle, surrounding by a high wall or yew hedge.
East Ayrshire Council will consider the application at a later date.