A Balmaclellan pensioner dying from terminal cancer can spend his last days at his rented cottage after all.
David Firth had been facing eviction from remote Barlay Cottage outside the village.
London barrister Tristan Chaize was selling the property with Barlay House and wanted vacant possession.
But days before a tribunal on the eviction process, the cottage was sold.
And new owners Trevor and Rachel Atkinson have told Mr Firth he can stay.
David said: “The Friday before the tribunal I got a phone call to say the property had been sold.
“The new owner was happy for me to stay on. It has all worked out okay at the 11th hour. Mr and Mrs Atkinson seem nice, down to earth, genuine people. It’s just a relief I can stay here in peace.”
Mr Atkinson, who runs his own pharmaceutical company, said: “From a legal aspect, David was dealing with a tribunal which seemed very complicated and pretty unpleasant.
“From a personal side, I could not see any reason why he should be evicted.
“I met him a few times and he seemed a pleasant and nice guy.
“Galloway is a lovely place and David is very knowledgeable about it.
“He’s made us pleased we took that decision.”
David admitted the threat of being kicked out of his home had taken its toll on his health.
He said: “I’m slowly getting worse. I know what’s ahead is inevitable and I’m fully aware my body is starting to wind down.
“I’ve got my brother John and he keeps me going.
“I have another brother down in York and hopefully he will come up and see me in a few weeks.
“I can’t do much now but luckily my mind is still fully functioning.”
John said: “People don’t realise what a big relief this is for him.
“I was worried, David was worried and my wife was worried.
“The tribunal was on Wednesday and the gentleman came in on the Friday before to say he was squashing the eviction.
“He said he had read the article in the Galloway News and was fully aware of the circumstances.
“He’s probably a multi-millionaire but he’s a down to earth person and a decent bloke.”
