Crichton Foundation Lunch

Following the success of the annual Women of Dumfries and Galloway Lunch we are delighted to invite both women and men to join us for inaugural Crichton Foundation Lunch. The day will begin with a drinks reception followed by a two-course lunch with a glass of wine. After coffee, guests will have the chance to relax enjoy the opportunity to  hear our two guest speakers – Miranda Leslie and Colin Crosbie.

Miranda Leslie ran Christies jewellery department in Scotland and in Amsterdam and then Bonhams Jewellery in Scotland before becoming Managing Director there for 10 years. As well as having a career in jewellery and being a Fellow of the Gemmological Association, Miranda has numerous other areas of interest in the art world as well as in interior decoration.

In 2017, with business partner Henry Baggot and her husband, Alex, Miranda opened Leslie & Baggott. This is an Art and Antiques shop with a difference. Based in Isle Tower, the historic house where Robert Burns lived while Ellisland farm was being built, it is set out as it would be in a house. All the furnishings and objects are for sale, and every item has a tag giving the price, provenance, history and any other important or intriguing details. Miranda also offers an advisory service on buying and selling.

Born in Kirkcudbright, Colin Crosbie studied horticulture at the West of Scotland agricultural college in Auchincruive, Ayr. He then went on to work in the Savill and Valley gardens in Windsor Great Park before being appointed as head gardener to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Colin then worked at the RHS gardens in Wisley, firstly as a superintendent before being appointed Curator of the gardens in 2010.

After nearly 30 years living in the south of England, Colin has now returned to Dumfries and Galloway to set up his own horticultural consultancy business. He also leads garden tours in the UK and internationally. Becoming his own boss has enabled Colin to spend time volunteering for various charities including Bethany Christian Trust and IFDAS; independence from drugs and alcohol Scotland where Colin is the horticultural director and vice chairman. Colin is also a trustee for the Galloway National Park Association.