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The house, which has been described as an 18th century time capsule contains a unique collection of Chippendale furniture.  After a nationwide appeal led by the Prince of Wales it is now owned by the Great Steward of Scotland Dumfries House Trust.

Along with the house comes an estate with a 700 acre farm, which is where supermarket chain Morrisons comes in.  At the Royal Highland Show Company chief Executive Marc Bolland announced that in a joint venture with the Great Steward of Scotland Trust Morrisons will use the 700 acres unit to research how farming efficiency and sustainability can be further improved.

Morrisons want it to become a leading centre of excellence for farming research. They have asked SAC to help drive research into sustainable farming models and share best practice throughout the industry. The arrangement has the support of the National Farmers Union Scotland (NFUS).

The farm will rear traditional cattle and sheep breeds, with the first livestock to arrive later this year being Shorthorn and Angus cattle. Some arable crops will be grown for animal feed. Research projects will focus on animal feeding, housing and welfare.

Morrisons Chief Executive, Marc Bolland, said, “Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House will be farming to a statement of principles that delivers efficiency and environmental sustainability and we will also be seeking to establish a similar venture in south east England to further apply farm research to benefit the long-term competitiveness of British farming.”

First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, said: “The Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House will bring significant economic benefits to the local area and is a great example of the importance of innovation and research within the food chain. I am particularly delighted about Morrisons’ new partnership with the Scottish Agricultural College.”

SAC Chief Executive and Principal, Professor Bill McKelvey, commented, "This is an exciting initiative for the Scottish Agricultural College. It capitalises on SAC's strengths, combining applied research and development, with the transfer of knowledge and good practice. I believe the lessons learned on Morrisons Farm at Dumfries House can benefit many in the farming community in Scotland and across the UK."

The Gardens Project

The second SAC Dumfries House connection concerns the gardens. The house opened to the public last year and second-year Horticulture and Garden Design students from Ayr helped prepare for the opening by planting up formal beds in front of the house with pyramid yews and lavender.

This year another planting project is planned to help make an area of the estate suitable for picnics and also provide flowers for use in floral displays in the house. It involves two mature Magnolia grandiflora delivered from Italy for planting in front of the house.

Being asked to plant these for the Trust has given the students a special opportunity. They have had to plant and underground stake large, root-balled trees. It also requires precision and care to ensure the trees are placed precisely and match on either side of the house entrance.