He has gifted the land from the Buccleuch family’s Borders Estate to Newcastleton & District Community Trust.

Barbara Elborn, secretary of Newcastleton & District Community Trust, said: “This is a delightful and historic moment for local people.

“We have had very constructive discussions with Buccleuch about land use and ownership in the area and we look forward to progressing our plans.

“We thank them and the Scottish Land Fund for their help and support to enable the community to move forward with its development plans.”

The agreement comes as the duke continues negotiations for the sale of other substantial areas of land to community groups, among them Langholm Moor.

Newcastleton & District Community Trust has also submitted an application to the Scottish Land Fund for the purchase of an area of land in the south of Scotland, a decision on which is due in May.

Edward Morris, Buccleuch Estate manager, Borders Estate, said: “We are delighted to see this transfer of land taking place and we wish the community trust every success.”

Mr Morris added: “We have been in discussions for some time with groups around Newcastleton and Langholm regarding their aspirations for the local area and we are committed to helping community groups realise their aspirations where we can.”