Balmy evenings are rare in the UK, but on 22 June this year Mother Nature raised the thermostat, providing the perfect party mood at Buckingham Palace. The event was to honour the transformation of Dumfries House over the past decade. In attendance were 250 guests including 50 staff, donors, trustees and charities, all of whom had contributed to the remarkable rebirth of the House, Estate and surrounding Ayrshire community.

It was a night of music and dance: the National Youth Piping Band of Scotland kicked off the evening playing during the drinks reception. Dinner was followed by a programme of Scottish entertainment: the University of Aberdeen Chamber Choir, fiddlers, accordionists, pipers and highland dancers were all part of the line-up. As the night ended and guests departed to the sounds of the bagpipe, it was agreed the celebrations had been a huge success. With yet more projects on the Estate about to be unveiled, one can only imagine the achievements that will be celebrated in the decade to come.

Photography: Paul Burns