A PRINCE, Olympic medallist, supermodel and fashion guru were in Cumnock last week.

The Duke of Rothesay, Max Whitlock, David Gandy and Paul Smith were in town for the Dumfries House Wool Conference.

Among the guest speakers was Steve Rowe, top man at Marks and Spencer, sponsors of the event which was described as ‘the largest and most prestigious international gathering of wool experts ever held in the UK’.

Prince Charles joined delegates at the conference and delivered a speech, having launched the Campaign For Wool in 2010 to expend the market for UK products.

Paul Smith had flown into Scotland from Milan, especially for the event, and told how he had started in business with £600 with which he rented a shop in Nottingham.

Among the interested onlookers were a group of pupils from Doon Academy who were at Dumfries House for their regular textile class.

They were thrilled when gymnast Max Whitlock gave an impromptu demonstration of his talent just feet away from where they were standing.

He was wearing a suit, to highlight how strong and durable the material was as he bent his body at incredible angles — with barely a crease on the garment when he was finished.

Making his way outside, Charles was then introduced to a group of local residents — several sheep from Dumfries House Estate’s farm.