AN AGREEMENT for a transfer of land has been reached between Buccleuch and a community trust in the Borders.

The land, which has been gifted by Buccleuch’s Borders Estate to Newcastleton and District Community Trust, encompasses a range of amenity sites in the village, including Polysport – a multisport pitch and fitness gym – a golf course and The Holm show fields.

These sites are already under long-term use by the community – formal transfer of ownership will now allow the Trust to find increased community uses for the land and look at potential improvements to the facilities. In addition, a mast site has been included to provide the community with an income.

Buccleuch said it was delighted to enable the community’s plans to utilise the land – and noted that negotiations for the sale of substantial areas of land to community groups were ongoing, including Langholm Moor. Newcastleton and District Community Trust is continuing to progress plans for a prospective purchase of land in the south of Scotland, with their application being submitted to the Scottish Land Fund and a decision due in May.

Borders Estate manager Edward Morris, said: “We are delighted to see this transfer of land taking place and we wish the community trust every success. We have been in discussions for some time with groups around Newcastleton and Langholm regarding their aspirations for the local area and we are committed to helping community groups realise their aspirations where we can.”

NDCT secretary Barbara Elborn said: “This is a delightful and historic moment for local people. We have had very constructive discussions with Buccleuch about land use and ownership in the area and we look forward to progressing our plans. We thank them and the Scottish Land Fund for their help and support to enable the community to move forward with its development plans.”