A special edition of the Tyne Tees Television rural affair programme Landmark presented by Eric Robson from the 200,000-acre Queensbury Estate and Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. The programme looks at the working of the estate both as a commercial enterprise as well as a conservation zone and asks what the future of such estates is. Title: Landmark The Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry created a blueprint for the best way to run rural Britain by creating an...

A special edition of the Tyne Tees Television rural affair programme Landmark presented by Eric Robson from the 200,000-acre Queensbury Estate and Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. The programme looks at the working of the estate both as a commercial enterprise as well as a conservation zone and asks what the future of such estates is. Title: Landmark The Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry created a blueprint for the best way to run rural Britain by creating an integrated policy for management of their countryside. From a Land Rover driving across his estate interview with the current Duke John Scott, 9th Duke of Buccleuch and 11th of Queensberry who talks about the history of his family and estate. He has a passion for forestry and doesn't believe forests need to be ugly, his planted conifer trees are beautifully laid out and ideal for wildlife. He believes that forest should be 20% of the national interest, currently only 9-10%. It is also a working forest and a commercial enterprise. Interview with Forest Manager Bob Jordon about the importance of both aesthetics as well as the balance sheets. The management policy of the forest hasn't changed a great deal in many generations. John Scott drives onto a landmark overlooking the castle, Gilmawhallen. Large redwood trees are planted here. As well as the forest the estate has 3000 acres of farmland of mixed use. Interview with Farm Manager Alan Stannett who says the farm is a balance of mixed economy which protects the estate from variation. They don't follow many modern farming technique and believe they are well ahead with diversification. Interview with tenant farmer John Maxwell who family have been working the estate since the 1660's. He says that the estate has always had land and will want to always own it. Title: Landmark The second part of the programme begins with views of Drumlanrig Castle. The re-leading of the roof has recently been completed and has taken 14 years re-using lead from the estate. John Scott drives past the old stable block which has been turned into craft workshops. One of the big successes is Dervish Turning, a wood turning business which started with one person and now employs 12. They supply wood products to the London market. The house is also open to the public in the summer. John Scott says that he doesn't really own anything, he is just a lifetime custodian and guardian of the estate. Interview with John's son Richard Scott, the Earl of Dalkeith who says that depressions in agriculture runs in cycles. The estate in under great pressure, but he won't allow it to lose of retaining a rural population living and working in the countryside. John Scott also believes in the importance on conservation. They drive past Morton Castle which has a conservation zone and educational venture supported by David Bellamy celebrating the living landscape. John Scott believes it is vital to teach children about the countryside. The film ends with Eric asking what the future of estates such as these have in the late 1980s. Credit: Written and presented by Eric Robson Title: Hoi Polloi Film and Video Credit: Camera Chris Sutcliffe Credit: Sound John Myers Credit: Electrician Bill Hughes, Tony Cook Credit: Grips Joe Smyth Credit: Production Assistant Pauline Grant Credit: Production Secretary Coreen Harvey Credit: Production Runner Claire Storey Credit: VT Editors Sally Fryer and Jonathan Bravo Credit: Executive Producer Chris Potter Credit: Director Simon Lawson Credit: Producer Charles Bowden Credit: Waterfront Productions for Tyne Tees Television MCMLXXXIX