Buccleuch — one of Scotland’s biggest private landowners — said on Thursday it intends to sell a substantial landholding in the Scottish Borders, including Langholm Moor.

Following a review of land on its estates, 25,000 acres – stretching from Auchenrivock in the south to Hartsgarth in the north – are being marketed from Buccleuch’s Borders Estate.

Alongside the Moor, much of the area is currently part of Buccleuch’s farming operation.

There are also a small number of farm tenancies, which will continue as they are under new ownerships and blocks of forestry.

In line with the Scottish Land Commission’s protocol on community engagement, Buccleuch will consult with local communities online or in local community hubs.

Langholm Moor was the site of two major scientific projects relating to moorland management, the latter of which – the Langholm Moor Demonstration Project – was completed two years ago.

Buccleuch executive chairman Benny Higgins said: “The completion of the Langholm Moor project gave us an opportunity to look at what moor’s future should be within the wider Buccleuch portfolio of landholdings.

“That review led us to the conclusion that marketing the moor area for sale was our preferred option.

“The decision is very much in line with our business’s stated aim of reducing the Buccleuch footprint while enabling us to invest in priority projects.”

Buccleuch has instructed Savills to handle the proposed sale.