I am a trustee of the charity ‘Friends of Broughton House and Garden’ based in the National Trust for Scotland property in Kirkcudbright. I had done a two month-long placement at the property in 2005 as part of my degree in Scottish Studies as a mature student at Glasgow University’s Crichton Campus, Dumfries.
During that time, I came to learn about this amazing house, its history, its architecture, and its vast collection of art, artefacts, and literary works. The main inspiration for my interest was the last owner, the artist Edward Atkinson Hornel, who had added a studio and a stunningly beautiful gallery to the early eighteenth-century building.
In a very magnanimous gesture, he bequeathed his whole property, its garden and vast, eclectic, collection to the town and for the enjoyment of visitors.
With so many interesting aspects to the property, it provides an endless source of fascination about art, music, literature, architecture, and horticulture. Events arranged by the Friends feature all these topics and help raise funds in support of the National Trust for Scotland. As a guide I enjoy passing on my knowledge to help visitors have a fuller appreciation of all the property offers.
Mike Duguid – Chairman of the Friends of Broughton House and Garden