Ambitious bids being considered by two community groups

Community groups in the borders are looking to buy large areas of land from the Duke of Buccleuch.

About 25,000 acres of his borders estate is for sale with two communities expressing an interest in taking it over.

Buccleuch, the company which manages the Duke’s estates, said farm tenancies on the land would continue under any new ownership along with areas of forestry.

Langholm Moor Community Buy Out Group, has been gathering support in the area for a community buy-out of almost a third of the land.

They plan to turn the moor into a nature reserve and develop an outdoor sports and adventure centre.

Buccleuch’s executive chairman Benny Higgins said they had opened consultation on 30 May with a view to putting the land on the market in August if there was no registered interest.

"We wish to respect their interest and to create a window during which they can consider their options," said Higgins.

"This will enable the community bodies to proactively formulate and conclude on their intentions by the end of March 2020.

"If a successful bid emerges, we will ensure there is sufficient time to reach legal closure.

"Needless to say, if no such bid emerges we will continue with the planned marketing of the land."

Buccleuch’s parent company, MDS Estates, show an adjusted operational loss before tax of £4.8 million for the year ending 31 October 2017.