A high street supermarket chain will take over 700 acres of a Scottish stately home saved for the nation by Prince Charles.
A high street supermarket chain will take over 700 acres of a Scottish stately home saved for the nation by Prince Charles.
Morrisons is to set up a sustainable research farm at Dumfries House near Cumnock in Ayrshire and Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, is said to be "delighted" by the development.
The farm, which will be 30% organic, will be run by the supermarket in conjunction with the Scottish Agricultural College, and livestock reared in the grounds will end up on Morrisons' shelves.
Research on sustainable farming methods will be led by the Scottish Agricultural College and a board made up of members from both Dumfries House and the supermarket will lead the venture.
The supermarket is said to have made a "tremendous" investment in the project, but no figures were available yesterday.
The first Shorthorn and Angus cattle will arrive at Dumfries House next year, with some arable crop grown for animal feed, and research projects will focus on animal feeding, housing and welfare.
A spokesman for Clarence House said: "Prince Charles is delighted that Morrisons will be developing a sustainable farm on Dumfries House Estate. In saving Dumfries House for the nation, HRH was always focussed on the economic regeneration of the local area.
"The sustainable farm will help towards that goal as well as contribute further to advancing sustainable farming in Scotland."
The Duke stepped in to offer £20m from his charitable foundation in 2007 to save the Adam-designed Palladian mansion from sale on the open market.
It was to be sold by the Marquis of Bute after he inherited the home from his grandmother. A vast collection of rare Chippendale furniture was also poised for auction at Christie's until the Duke stepped in to secure the future of the house and its contents.
The Scottish Government also offered £5m towards the £45m purchase price and yesterday First Minister Alex Salmond said Morrisons will further aid the economic regeneration of the area. A farm manager and staff will be employed by the board.
Mr Salmond said: "The Scottish Government welcomes Morrisons' further investment in Scotland. This is a significant tribute to the outstanding reputation of our farmers and quality of our produce.
"The Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House will bring significant economic benefits to the local area.
Jim McLaren, president of NFU Scotland, said: "It is these kinds of initiatives that will help forge a sustainable future for our sector."
