Smallholder Fights to Stay on Scottish Retreat Despite Eviction Order
Tracey Milton, a smallholder recovering from a stroke and mental health challenges, has vowed to fight “to her last breath” to stay on her newly acquired rural retreat.
Relocation to the Scottish Borders
In the summer of 2023, Tracey relocated from her native Somerset to a smallholding near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. Just four months after settling in, council enforcement officers ordered her to vacate the property.
Previous Ownership and Residency Issues
The smallholding’s previous owner, Muriel Aldin, had also faced difficulties securing permission to live on the land in 2004. After appealing to the Scottish government, Aldin was eventually allowed to reside in a static caravan on the four-and-a-half-acre property.
Building a New Life with Animals
Since her move, Tracey’s smallholding has expanded to include alpacas, pigs, goats, geese, two Shetland ponies, and a parrot, alongside her original four sheep and eight chickens. She had plans to use her property as a sanctuary for charities and families dealing with physical disabilities or mental health conditions.
“I got all of these animals to look after them—not to neglect them by moving away,” she said. Tracey, who suffers from mental health issues, COPD, and has experienced multiple strokes, emphasized how being around the animals has aided her recovery.
Council’s Concerns Over Residency
Scottish Borders Council claims that Tracey’s residence on the smallholding violates local policies regarding living in the countryside. Additionally, they state that no economic justification has been provided to continue the previous permission granted to the former owner.
Appeal in Progress
After her retrospective application for residency was denied, an appeals review is now underway. A council spokesperson confirmed, “The Local Review Body has agreed to continue the matter to allow the applicant to present their case in person. No further enforcement action will be taken until a decision is reached.”
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