Alison Dumphie has worked at Elsick for 7 years. Overseeing the whole running of the house, she’s the one who holds it all together both behind the scenes and front of house on wedding days, as well as making holidays, events and visits to Elsick House just perfect for our guests. After initially working in the nearby new town of Chapelton for the Duke and Duchess of Fife, she was then tasked to help develop Elsick House from the Duke’s family home to the exclusive use venue that it is today.
What does a typical day in your role involve? No two days are the same! Today Karen (Assistant House Manager) and I are working at a wedding for 46 guests in the marquee so prep work and attending to our couple and guests until around 8pm, then home to put my feet up!
What is your favourite part of the job? Wedding days when the bride is ready to walk down the aisle! I’ve been known to get emotional even after 7 years of weddings!
Are there any challenges in your job and how do you overcome them? Looking after an old house is always a challenge but we have a great team who maintain every part of the building and grounds so well. We constantly face situations where we have to react quickly, but we just have to remain calm (on the outside anyway!) I have been asked to do all sorts of various tasks which are not strictly my role – dress a bride, decorate an arch or look after dogs to name a few, but that’s all part of the fun!
Do you have a funny story about a wedding or event here? My dog Hugo gate-crashed a wedding and was caught on camera going down the aisle. Thankfully I knew the bride and groom well and they thought it was hilarious.
What is your favourite part of the house and why? The kitchen is the perfect place to meet up and put the world to rights!
What do you enjoy doing out of work? I love animals and would have a sanctuary if my husband let me. I have rescued a cat, a goat and two donkeys! I also enjoy spending time in the garden and walking.
What’s your favourite quote or saying? When asked who goes where when the father and bride go down the aisle, I’ll say “The bride is always right.” Another one is “Flowers to your flower!”
How do you think guests of Elsick House would describe you? Gosh that is a hard one – hopefully they would say I am helpful and well informed.
What do you think makes Elsick House so special? We have a great team and just love looking after people.
Download our wedding brochure here or view a virtual tour of the house and grounds.
To arrange a visit to Elsick House or for more information about wedding and events please contact us on house@elsick.co.uk