MORE than 10,000 people have signed an online petition asking the Duke of Buccleuch to halt a plan to remove a couple from the farm where they have lived for more than 20 years.
SNP MSP Joan McAlpine welcomed the public support for Alison and David Telfer.
The Telfers say they understood landowner Buccleuch Estates would allow them to stay on at Cleuchfoot, near Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway, until they retire in a few years’ time.
However, their lease has already been extended and Cleuchfoot is part of 9000-acre site that is up for sale. The online petition, addressed to the Duke, is on the 38 Degrees website.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed concern about the case earlier this month and the chairman of the Scottish Land Commission, Andrew Thin, said he could not understand why Buccleuch Estates is not willing to let the Telfers stay on for now.
South of Scotland MSP McAlpine, who has campaigned for the couple, said: “The public are angry and this petition shows that.
“It is time [Buccleuch Estates] did the right thing and simply allowed the Telfers to retire in peace. Buccleuch owns the land and this sale is not illegal – but it is immoral.”
A spokesman for Buccleuch said: “In discussions with Mr and Mrs Telfer, we have always tried to find an amicable solution. Their previous five-year rental lease (a short term limited duration tenancy) ended in February 2018.
“In 2012, Mr Telfer was contacted and the estate’s intentions for the farm were outlined at this time, particularly in relation to the upland ground. Nearing the end of the lease, the Estate offered to sell Mr and Mrs Telfer the land where the farmhouse is situated.
“When it was realised this was not possible, further discussions led to the agreement of a new lease on the low ground until November 2019. This was agreed by both parties – Buccleuch and Mr and Mrs Telfer.”
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