Dumfries House set to introduce parking charges for visitors

Dumfries House in Ayrshire is set to introduce parking charges for visitors later this year.

The mansion, owned by King Charles’s Foundation, is considering introducing a parking fee for visitors from “further afield.”

Free permits would be issued for people living within a certain distance of the estate under the plans.

Money raised would be reinvested into the maintenance and development of the mansion and its grounds.

The owners have said that public spaces in the estate will remain free for the public to access, including the gardens, woodland and playparks.

In a statement on their website, they said: “We are committed to ensuring parking at Dumfries House remains free for local people.

“To continue protecting and developing the estate for the benefit of the local community, we are looking to introduce a small car parking charge for those travelling to visit the estate from further afield.

“All of the revenue raised from car parking charges will go straight back into the maintenance and development of the 2,000-acre estate, across our visitor facilities, education programmes and the estate’s green spaces.”

The 18th-century Palladian country house was built by the 5th Earl of Dumfries and remained in the same family until it was sold by the 7th Marquess of Bute in 2007.

A consortium, led by Charles as the Prince of Wales, purchased the estate for £45m.

Dumfries House opened to the public in 2008, and has a number of attractions including a walled garden, educational farm and health and wellbeing centre.

Members of the public are being asked for their views on the parking charges, including who should continue to benefit from free parking and where the money generated should be invested.

Submissions can be made until May 18 via an online form.