A BUCCLEUCH community buy-out has received a major boost as a public body fronts £1 million funding.
A swathe of Langholm Moor could transfer from the ownership of the Duke of Buccleuch’s property vehicle to the hands of local people if the bid succeeds – but that will take £6.4m.
A crowdfunder created in May has generated £200,000 from 2500 donors so far.
Today the organisation behind the bid has revealed support of up to £1m from South of Scotland Enterprise.
The Langholm Initiative says it is still in a race to capture the rest of the cash.
But project leader Kevin Cumming called the six-figure sum “a major step towards a successful outcome”. He stated: “We have been working closely with South of Scotland Enterprise over recent weeks, and couldn’t be happier with their commitment to support the people of Langholm.
“We still have a race against time to find the rest of the funding required for a purchase to take place. We are investigating every possible option to ensure the buy-out is a success.”
Under the Initiative’s plans, the buy-out would allow the creation of a new national nature reserve and unlock community-led enterprise opportunities, as well as significant social benefits.
Last month, agents for Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate agreed a £1.484m price in a land buy-out by the residents of Wanlockhead.
If the Langholm campaign is successful, it will realise the first large-scale purchase of its kind in the south of Scotland.
South of Scotland Enterprise chair Russel Griggs commented: “We are delighted to support The Langholm Initiative project, and recognise that our significant contribution will be a tremendous step toward reaching their ambitious funding package.
“The successful acquisition of Langholm Moor represents a long-term economic, social and natural capital development project, and we look forward to working with the Langholm Initiative as the situation develops.“ To support the crowdfunding appeal, visit langholminitiative.org.uk.
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