 BUCCLEUCH Estates, the sprawling business empire owned by the family of the 10th Duke of Buccleuch, has sharply narrowed its losses on the back of a turnaround strategy that has seen a major  rationalisation  of the group s activities.  Latest accounts for the group, obtained by The Herald from Companies House, show pre-tax losses were cut to ?4.4 million for the year to the end of October, compared with pre-tax losses of ?7.2m the year before.  Its so-called  rationalisation  has consisted of a more concentrated focus on the commercial property, renewable energy, tourism and hospitality aspects of the business.  During the year, Buccleuch disposed of its animal nutrition and veterinary supplies businesses to Carrs Milling. Its equine products and Game and Country businesses were also sold back to their original owners. at the same time, the group regained full control of Buccleuch BioEnergy and was awarded a major biomass installation contract for aberdeen Royal Infirmary.  The group also cut a foods-operation merger deal with Campbell Brothers that resulted in the planned closure of a meat plant and the loss of badly needed jobs in Dumfries and Galloway. at the time, the group said:  It s with regret and great sadness, but we ve been trying to make this work for six years.  It also launched Buccleuch Rural Solutions, a new rural services business, and, in spite of a  difficult sporting season  its rural estates division came close to breaking even.  Turnover at the group, including its share in joint ventures, climbed to ?40.6m, compared with ?38.4m