BUCCLEUCH STORY - RESPONSIBLE LANDOWNERS

John Charles, 7th Duke of Buccleuch and 9th Duke of Queensberry, formally created the Buccleuch Estates Ltd in 1923, the year that saw the birth of his grandson, Walter Francis John, 9th and 11th Duke.  His purpose was to establish a sound businesslike enterprise to manage the considerable rural properties he had inherited.   These were spread among three counties in England and six in Scotland, consisting mainly of rolling hill land,  numerous historic houses and castles of the highest merit.  Since then, much land has been sold and some additions have been made to consolidate and improve boundaries.  About 400 square miles remain

The aim has always been, even before 1923, to safeguard and continually improve the land with its buildings and structures to the benefit of all who live on or depend upon it, as well as the nation as a whole, in a sustainably viable manner.

The Buccleuch properties descended from the Dukedom of Montagu in Northamptonshire and Cumbria, the Dukedom of Queensberry (Douglas family) in Dumfriesshire and the Dukedom of Buccleuch (Scott family)  in Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles and Midlothian.   All of these were nationally renowned for the excellence of their countryside management, human relationships, public accessibility, pioneering works in agriculture and forestry, balanced wildlife and practical conservation. 

As a result of declining profitability in farming and forestry, from the beginning of the 21st Century, the company has diversified into a number of associated activities, including real estate, in order to provide alternative sources of income to protect its National Trust type heritage.