Community to take over Dumfriesshire's Castleholm

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Langholm’s historic Castleholm is to be owned and run by the local community.

The hub of community events in Dumfriesshire's Muckle Toon from the annual Langholm Common Riding to the Langholm Agricultural Show, and sports events from horse-racing to cricket, the Castleholm ground has been historically used by the public with permission from owners Buccleuch Estates.

However, it was announced this week that Buccleuch and the Castleholm Community Trust Limited has successfully concluded discussions which will now see an 18.12 hectare area of the Castleholm transferred to community ownership.

Buccleuch has asked that current users of Castleholm have continued access for their events and sporting activities, and have stipulated that it must only be used for activities with a direct link to and for the benefit of the local community.

Ed Morris, Buccleuch’s Borders Estate director, said: “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.”

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 per cent expressing their support.

Roger Maxwell, chairman of the 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.”

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