RESIDENTS in Scotland’s highest village have met with landowners to discuss a potential community buyout.

The Wanlockhead Community Trust wants to purchase land in and around the village from Scotland’s largest landowner, the Duke of Buccleuch.

They claim more could be done to promote the village as a tourist destination, and believe community ownership would help regenerate the area and make it sustainable in economic, social and environmental terms for future generations.

The Trust, which is owned by Wanlockhead residents, has now met with Buccleuch representatives to discuss options for a buy-out including land which forms part of Buccleuch’s Queensberry Estate.

Businesses and individuals have also held discussions with the estate with a view to improving economic development and enhancing tourism and leisure amenities for the village.

Lincoln Richford, chairman of the Trust, said: This was a very productive and positive first meeting and we broke a lot of ground.

“We look forward to working further with Buccleuch Estates. I believe that we can find a mutually satisfying solution for both parties that will ensure a bright future for our village.”

John Glen, chief executive of Buccleuch, which comprises the business interests of the Buccleuch family, said: “We were pleased to have had this initial meeting with the Trust as the estate is committed to playing its part in local economic development.

“We have held discussions with various interest groups over the years and there is a range of options that we should all consider.”

Wanlockhead lies 1,531ft above sea level and is historically known as “God’s treasure house”. It owes its existence to the lead and other mineral deposits in the surrounding hills, including some of the world’s purest gold.