Ludo Thierry

This story was carried on the beeb Scotland main page for part of a day – it then migrated to the South of Scotland page. To my mind the story is important in that it shows how the Chookie Buccleuch and Buccleuch Estates are not ignoring the possibility of the New and Better Scotland getting around to following the precepts of the 1919 Land Resettlement (Scotland Act) in due course.

This legislation was forced through following the active Land Raids by returning war veterans (wearing their medals at times) to acquire some land for crofts and smallholdings etc. This campaign was pretty textbook of its type – and produced some limited, but real, effects. (It is estimated that, by 1930, some 2536 approx. new holdings were in existence. The Westminster Govt had planned a few face-saving gestures – and the funding ran out almost immediately – but the campaign forced further action and hit its peak during 1923).

Many of us want to see Scottish land reform pushed forward more energetically. To be fair to the SNP Scottish Govt some legislation has been passed and some good effects already achieved – but much more remains to be done. Do we imagine Chookie Buccleuch is divvying up these 102 acres to the Community for no reason? Do we heck!

Chookie Buccleuch is not daft – and Buccleuch Estates can, and do, get the best advice money can buy. That advice is telling Bucchleuch that there is a new mood afoot in Scotland and ‘change’ is becoming more possible by the day.

Chookie Buccleuch and his Ilk have been maintaining their dynasties in the manner to which they have become mightily accustomed over many centuries, not by being daft – but by recognising political tipping points and preparing for them very carefully and very deftly.

I suggest Buccleuch’s actions are indicative that their expensive political antennae are recognising that Scotland is moving into the next phase and Bucchleuch Estates want to prepare their ground (literally) accordingly. Building our New Scotland is a long, exhausting struggle – but these hard-won victories on the road convince us that ‘change’ can be accomplished if we stay focussed and determined as a movement. Link and snippets below:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-51735835?intlink_from_url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/scotland/south_scotland&link_location=live-reporting-story

One of Scotland’s biggest landowners has agreed a “historic” transfer deal in a Borders village.

Buccleuch will pass on a sports pitch, golf course and show fields in Newcastleton (currently under long-term lease to the Community) to a community trust.

The move comes as the group – which represents the business interests of the Duke of Buccleuch – continues talks over a larger slice of nearby land.

It said the deal would let the community look at improvements to facilities on the land involved.

Buccleuch will gift the land to the trust at no cost.

It comes as it continues negotiations for the sale of substantial areas of land, including Langholm Moor, to community groups.

Buccleuch has made no secret of its desire to reduce its land ownership.

Last year it confirmed it was a “stated aim” to cut its footprint in order to invest in other “priority projects”.

On this occasion, that has coincided with a strong community movement in Newcastleton which has, among other things, brought about the return of petrol pumps to the village.

There are bigger fish to fry, however, with about 25,000 acres of Buccleuch land up for grabs.

That would still leave the group with about 200,000 acres in its ownership – much of it across southern Scotland.

(The transfer of amenity land from Bucceuch to Newcastleton & District Community Trust extends to 102 acres. Built following the land clearances in the 1790s, when people were forced to move from Old Castleton village. In addition, a telecommunications mast site has been included to provide the community with an income.)