Animal lover faces eviction from her rural sanctuary near Selkirk

Since moving onto the Westfields smallholding with four sheep and eight chickens, Ms Milton’s flock has grown to include alpacas, pigs, goats, geese, two Shetland ponies and a parrot.

She also had plans to open up her home to charities and families with people who suffer from physical disabilities or mental health conditions.

“I have taken in lambs and bottle-fed them, re-homed cockerels and goats, and even adopted two Shetland ponies that were no longer wanted,” she said.

“I got all of these animals to look after them – not neglect them by moving away.

“I have suffered with mental health issues for many years as well as Copd, and I’ve had several strokes.

“Coming here and being around the animals has helped me so much, and I had hoped opening the place up to others with issues would also help them.”