A Year of Resilience, Heritage and Community: Lamlash House in 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, we look back on a year at Lamlash House that tested our resilience, celebrated our heritage, and reaffirmed the importance of community. While the year brought unexpected challenges, it was also filled with meaningful moments, memorable gatherings, and continued commitment to preserving and sharing the story of our historic home in Newmilns.

A Celebratory Start to the Year

The year began on a high note with A Taste of Burns in January — our first public event of 2025. This much-loved evening brought guests together to celebrate Scotland’s national poet through traditional food, music and storytelling, setting a warm and convivial tone for the year ahead. Valentine’s Afternoon Tea followed in February, welcoming both returning guests and new visitors to enjoy elegant surroundings, fine food and heartfelt celebrations.

February also delivered a particularly poignant moment in Lamlash House’s living history. A 94-year-old descendant of the original Mitchell family visited the house and met relatives portrayed through our Millers & Merchants Tour — a powerful reminder of the personal stories that continue to connect past and present within these walls. So much so, the visit featured in both the local and national press!

Investing in Heritage and Sustainability

Behind the scenes, 2025 was also a year of significant investment in the future of the building. With support from the Ayrshire Rural and Islands Ambition (ARIA) Fund, essential thermal efficiency improvements were undertaken, including upgraded insulation and heating systems. These works not only improve comfort for guests but help protect the building long-term while aligning with sustainability goals.

Alongside these improvements, a new heritage interpretation panel was installed outside Lamlash House, helping passers-by and visitors better understand the building’s Victorian origins, stained glass, and its place within Newmilns’ lace-making and banking history.

Sharing Lamlash House with the World

Spring brought opportunities to showcase Lamlash House beyond Ayrshire. In April, we were honoured to welcome international delegates as part of VisitScotland’s Connect 2025 Familiarisation Visits. Guests from across Europe, North America and Asia experienced guided heritage tours, locally sourced dining, and the unique stories that make Lamlash House special. These visits reinforced our role not only as a local venue, but as part of Scotland’s wider cultural and tourism offering.

We were also delighted to take part in regional events such as the Troon Wedding Fayre, connecting with couples seeking intimate, character-filled venues for their celebrations, and highlighting Lamlash House as a distinctive destination for small weddings and private events.

Spring and Summer Gatherings and Community Moments

Public events continued into spring with the much-enjoyed Easter Afternoon Tea, where guests gathered in the Banking Hall to enjoy white-glove service, seasonal treats and the relaxed elegance that has become synonymous with Lamlash House. These occasions remain a highlight of our calendar, offering opportunities to reconnect with familiar faces while welcoming new guests into the house.

Summer brought the opportunity to host a distinctive professional gathering, when we were privileged to welcome the education management team from The King’s Foundation at Dumfries House to Lamlash House. The visit formed part of a Continuous Professional Development event, reflecting the calibre and versatility of occasions the house is proud to host. Throughout the day, shared values of collaboration, innovation, regeneration and heritage were evident, with a thoughtfully curated programme that even allowed time for tea to be enjoyed in the walled garden. Events such as these highlight Lamlash House’s role as a place where ideas are exchanged, connections are strengthened and meaningful impact is created.

Challenges and Adaptation

Storm Eowyn in January caused significant damage to the building, necessitating major repairs to the roof and internal spaces. While this meant restricting our public events calendar for much of summer, autumn and the festive season, transparency and communication remained central to our approach. Through social media and website updates, we kept the public informed of progress, sharing both the challenges and our determination to restore the house with care and integrity.

Although we were unable to host our usual festive programme in December, we were grateful for the understanding, patience and support shown by our guests and supporters during this period.

Marriages and Milestones

Alongside our public events and heritage activities, 2025 also saw Lamlash House quietly hosting many of life’s most meaningful moments behind closed doors. Throughout the year we were privileged to welcome families and friends celebrating milestone birthdays, wedding anniversaries and intimate wedding celebrations within the historic rooms of the house. From elegant private lunches to candlelit evening gatherings, these occasions reflected what Lamlash House does best — offering a warm, characterful setting where memories are made, stories are shared, and important milestones are marked in a truly special way.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we move toward 2026, restoration work continues with the goal of reopening more fully in the months ahead. Plans are already in place for a Murder Mystery event in January, the return of Afternoon Teas and carefully curated public events, alongside private celebrations.

2025 reminded us that Lamlash House is more than a venue — it is a place of stories, connections and continuity. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who visited, supported, shared our posts on social media, or followed our journey this year. We look forward to welcoming you back soon as the next chapter of Lamlash House unfolds.