Castleholm Community Trust Limited and Buccleuch Group have concluded discussions which will see an area of the Castleholm (extending to 18.12Ha) in the Scottish Borders town of Langholm being transferred to community ownership.

The Castleholm is central to life in the town. It is the focal point for local shows, horse racing events and the traditional Langholm Common Riding. Over several public consultation events, Castleholm Community Trust Limited outlined their ambitions and plans for the area and the community were behind the change of ownership, with over 50% expressing their support for Castleholm Community Trust Limited.

Roger Maxwell, chair of Castleholm Community Trust, said: “We are delighted that the transfer of the Castleholm to the people of Langholm has now been completed and would like to thank Buccleuch for both their generosity and their support throughout the negotiations. While community ownership secures the future of the Castleholm as the home of many activities and events including Langholm’s annual Common Riding, it also places the responsibility for its future maintenance and development firmly in our own hands. For this historic transaction to take place, community support was essential, and we would like to thank the people of Langholm for playing their part in delivering this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Castleholm Community Trust Limited will continue to run the Castleholm for the benefit of the local community, and the local organisations which currently use the area for their activities can continue to do so.

Ed Morris, estate director at Borders Estate, added: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Castleholm Community Trust Limited team, as they fulfil their ambition to bring the Castleholm into community ownership.

“The community have shown great support for the initiative, and I am delighted the transfer can take place. All at Buccleuch wish Castleholm Community Trust Limited and the wider Langholm community every success with their plans for the future and we look forward to seeing them evolve.”