The Peebles Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 10 June 2026 to discuss financial monitoring, property and estates updates, and proposals for new memorial gardens and community events. The meeting's agenda also included a review of the financial position of the fund and consideration of various maintenance quotes.

Financial Monitoring Report and Budget

The committee was scheduled to consider the Financial Monitoring Report for the year ending 31 March 2026 and the proposed budget for 2026/27. The report, prepared by the Director of Finance, Suzy Douglas, detailed the income and expenditure for the Common Good Fund. It indicated a surplus balance of £49,721 at 31 March 2026, an improvement on the previously forecasted surplus. The report also outlined rental income and property expenditure, noting that approximately £9,798 of debtors related to previous tenants at Haylodge depot remained outstanding. The investment fund with Aegon Asset Management showed a value of £508,102 at 31 March 2026, with an investment income of £27,053 received for the year. The report recommended noting the actual income and expenditure for 2025/26, agreeing the proposed budget for 2026/27, noting grants distributed, and noting the current position of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund.

Property and Estates Updates

Several property-related items were scheduled for discussion. An update on maintenance spend since the previous meeting on 25 February 2026 was to be provided. Specific sites included:

• Kingsmeadows Toilets: The committee was to consider options for the future of these facilities, with estimated costs ranging from £26,000 for demolition and clearance to £80,000 for complete demolition and rebuild. The previous meeting had agreed to the commissioning of a report by the Director of Infrastructure & Environment on this matter. Councillor Julie Pirone had also agreed to support an application to the Festival Grants Fund for additional toilet facilities.
• Victoria Park Boundary Wall Reinstatement: This was listed for discussion, with a note in the Action Tracker indicating that further action was to be delayed until the status of repairs to the boundary wall had been confirmed.
• Tweed Green Pavilion Gates: The agenda indicated a discussion on the gates for the Tweed Green Pavilion.
• Eliots Park Car Parking: An update on car parking at Eliots Park was scheduled.
• Haylodge Park Changing Facilities Proposal: A proposal for new changing facilities at Haylodge Park was to be considered. This proposal, outlined in a document from Aegir, suggested replacing the existing Chicken Hut with a facility constructed from shipping containers, aiming to provide community use and employability skills for young people.

Peebles Gutterbluids Society Memorial Garden Proposal

The committee was to consider a proposal from Mr Drew Fraser on behalf of the Peebles Gutterbluids Society for a 'Derek Scott Memorial Garden' in Haylodge Park. The proposal detailed plans for a small, low-maintenance arboretum-type garden using a mix of native and ornamental trees, funded by a legacy from Derek Scott. The society, which has a constitution focused on maintaining and improving amenities in and around Peebles, has undertaken numerous hands-on projects in the past.

Tour o' the Borders Cycle Event

A request to use Tweed Green for the Tour o' the Borders Cycle Event from 4-6 September 2026 was scheduled for consideration. The application form from Hillside Outside Ltd, represented by Sarah Birks, indicated an expected attendance of 2,500 people. The associated risk assessment highlighted measures to manage risks such as tent collapse, tripping hazards, electrical safety, and emergency evacuation. The event was covered by a Multi Event Insurance policy from Event Insurance Services Ltd.

Open Forum

The meeting was to include an Open Forum session, allowing for matters raised via the Peebles Common Good Forum and any other business to be discussed.

Private Business

The agenda indicated that the public would be excluded from the meeting for certain items of business under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973, due to the likely disclosure of exempt information. These items included a Private Minute and Action Tracker, Property Maintenance Quotes, and an Estates Update. The property maintenance quotes were to cover the supply and installation of an access gate from Haylodge car park to an adjacent field, and repair work to a low-level roof at the rear of the Burgh Hall. The Estates Update was to cover the Corn Exchange retail premises and Haylodge Depot.