HALF a dozen farmers on a south-west Scotland estate have been hit by the news that they are losing their tenancies.

Castlemilk and Corrie Estates are a historic family-owned and managed estate around the town of Lockerbie in Dumfriesshire. The estate runs to around 28,000 acres with tenanted farms, residential properties, commercial premises, and around 4000 acres of forestry as its core activities.

However, six farmers have been given the news that their tenancies will not be renewed as they end in the coming months.

One Dumfriesshire farmer confirmed to the Scottish Farmer that rumours had been doing the rounds for some time, but that the loss of these tenancies had now been confirmed.

He said: "I think it's terrible to be perfectly honest, some of these farmers have been there for generations, and they now seem to be being pushed out, and for what reason? So that the traditional land use can be changed? It is moves like this that alter the farming landscape of a region."

Castlemilk Estate has been in existence for around 200 years. The principal business of the estate is letting out agricultural, residential, and commercial properties. During the last few years, the estate has undertaken major re-development projects

Jamie Buchanan-Jardine, who's family owns and runs Castlemilk and Corrie Estates, said: "We can confirm that there are six tenancies which we plan to bring to a conclusion before the end of 2024. These tenancies had been let on 10 year MLDTs. We have been in communication with tenants to inform them that we do not intend to renew their lease and would bring the farms back in-hand.

"Each tenant is in a slightly different position, with three of those also holding tenancies with us elsewhere on the estate. We also have one farmer who has chosen to retire. Moving forward, the estate would like to farm this land with a greater focus on sustainability and biodiversity.

"It is unfortunate that we have a number of MLDTs reaching an end in close succession, but that is down to previous decisions from the estate which we take on board. We have also been slow in actions such as regular rent reviews, but we are seeking to improve how we manage these processes and dialogue moving forward. I proactively contacted Tenant Farming Commissioner Bob McIntosh to let him know what we were doing at the estate and I appreciate his advice and engagement on this subject.

"We currently have more than 30 tenancies on the estate and they will continue to remain an important part of the estate. We value the contribution of tenants and want to continue our positive relationships with them."