An IRVINE history graduate will help oversee a world-famous collection of 18th Century furniture and artwork after being appointed as the new collections assistant at Dumfries House.

Satinder Kaur will assist curator Janet Casey with the maintenance and preservation of the world-famous collection at Dumfries House.

The 26-year-old, who has a BA (hons) degree in history and a master’s degree in museum studies, gained experience through volunteering at Culzean Castle and Auschwitz and working at Dean Castle before gaining full-time employment at Dumfries House.

Satinder said: “I took a tour of Dumfries House when I was at university and was fascinated by the fact that the collection is still in the building it was originally commissioned for. As my background is in Scottish history, I appreciate the significance of the house and knew I had to apply for the job as soon as it became available. I’m really enjoying my new role and feel very lucky to work there as every day is different and I am constantly learning.”

Home to the largest known collection of Chippendale’s early work, the Palladian country house near Cumnock remained untouched for 250 years before it was saved for the nation by HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay in 2007.

It now operates as a tourist attraction and education hub, offering young people the opportunity to engage in learning experiences that promote confidence, personal development and training in real life skills.

Satinder added: “It is my job, along with the curator, to ensure that everything in the house is where it should be and is being taken care of. Working with the collection at Dumfries House is a huge privilege.”

The Prince’s Foundation, formed in April as a result of consolidation of Dumfries House Trust and other charities, is headquartered at Dumfries House.

Dumfires House was saved for the nation in 2007 by The Prince of Wales, who used £20million of his charitable foundation’s money to secure the future of the property and use it to help people engage in learning experiences that promote confidence and personal development as well as offer training in real-life skills to open up employment opportunities.