The Kelso Common Good Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026 to review the fund's financial performance and budget, and to consider an application for financial assistance. The committee approved the monitoring report and draft budget, noting a healthy surplus and positive investment returns. They also unanimously agreed to provide financial assistance to Elisa Dalziel for an international Girlguiding project.

Financial Monitoring and Budget Approval

The committee reviewed the monitoring report for the 12 months ending 31 March 2026 and the draft budget for 2026/27. The report, presented by Catriona Ewen, Statutory Reporting & Treasury Business Partner, indicated a surplus of £28,431 on 31 March 2026, which was higher than the forecasted £20,525. This positive variance was attributed to planned works at Pinnacle Hill Woodland not taking place, higher than forecast investment returns, and interest received on the council's cash balance.

The draft budget for 2026/27 was also approved, with projected cash balances expected to rise to £38,000 by the end of March 2027, and further to £51,000 and £64,000 in the subsequent two years. Property expenditure was noted at just over £1,000 for the past year, with £4,000 budgeted for the next. Grant expenditure was £1,760, a slight overspend of £10.

The value of the fund's investments with Aegon Asset Management stood at £343,000, representing an unrealised gain of £1,727. This marked a significant improvement from the previous year and was the first time the fund had seen an overall gain since 2022. The fund received £16,000 in income, a return of 4.67%, which was slightly lower than anticipated due to a recent £60,000 investment not having a full year to generate returns. Forecasts for future investment returns were set at approximately 5%.

Councillor Tom Weatherston proposed, and Councillor Simon Mountford seconded, the approval of the recommendations to note the financial information and approve the draft budget. Councillor Weatherston described the report as very clear and comprehensive and expressed satisfaction that the money was being well looked after by the fund managers and it's growing at a reasonable rate.

Financial Assistance for Elisa Dalziel

The committee considered an application for financial assistance from Elisa Dalziel for her participation in a two-week international Girlguiding project in Nepal in August 2026. The project involves volunteering at a school and orphanage in Kathmandu and participating in international guiding programmes at the WAGGGS World Centre, Sangam, in India. Ms Dalziel requested £250 towards the total project cost of £3,200.

The application highlighted that Ms Dalziel, who was born and raised in Kelso, has maintained strong links with local Girlguiding units and is committed to sharing her experiences and skills gained from the trip to inspire Brownies and Guides in Kelso and Newcastle. She has already secured significant funding through musical supper sessions, family pledges, savings, and has applied for further grants. She had previously received £250 from the Kelso Common Good Fund towards the World Scout Jamboree in 2023.

Councillor Weatherston expressed his support, stating, I think, in view of the fact that we've just been told, she's done a lot of work to raise money herself. Quite a lot of work. I think I'm happy to support this. Councillor Simon Mountford agreed, noting that Ms Dalziel would be sharing the outcome of her trip, which would benefit schoolchildren and others. He added, I think it's the kind of role model that we should encourage. The committee unanimously agreed to approve the application, commending Ms Dalziel for her efforts in fundraising and her commitment to the local community.

Discussion on Floodlights for Kelso Abbey

The committee held a preliminary discussion regarding potential future support for floodlights at Kelso Abbey. Councillor Euan Robson, Chair of the Sub-Committee, raised the issue to gauge members' views on whether the Common Good Fund might consider contributing to the ongoing electricity costs of a new lighting system, should one be installed.

It was noted that the capital cost of replacing the lights would be out of reach of the common good, even with the fund's healthy surplus. However, Councillor Robson suggested that the annual electricity cost, estimated at under £1,000 for the current system, could potentially be reduced with modern, efficient LED lighting and adjustments to timing.

Members expressed a willingness in principle to consider future support, but with caution. Councillor Tom Weatherston stated, If we managed to fund the lights, it would be a disaster if we couldn't afford to pay for the electric or whatever. So I'm more than happy to explore those things at the time. He also emphasised the need to monitor what other funding was available across the Borders.

Provost Gavin Horsburgh noted that other projects related to Kelso Abbey, such as the Abbey Heritage Hub and the Abbey 900 celebrations in 2028, might potentially cover lighting costs. He agreed that a discussion about future support was worthwhile.

Councillor Simon Mountford supported the principle of helping but stressed the need for more information and cautioned against committing to a proportion of running costs, preferring a specified sum. He also suggested exploring solar or renewable energy sources to reduce ongoing commitments.

Catriona Ewen added that any support for maintenance costs should consider long-term commitments and suggested a cap or review period. She also raised the possibility of supporting higher upfront costs for solar or renewable energy solutions if they could reduce ongoing expenses.

The committee agreed to minute the discussion, noting that in principle, and without commitment, they were happy to consider future matters as developments occurred.

Action Tracker and Minutes

The minutes of the meetings held on 27 January 2026 and 16 February 2026 were approved as an accurate record. The action tracker was also reviewed. An item regarding a further investment in the Egon investment portfolio, dated 13 September 2022, was noted as being closed, with a further investment having been made in January 2026. Updates were provided on the progress of the Croft Park toilets, with delays in architectural work, and the installation of signs for Pinnacle Hill Wood. The committee also noted that correspondence with the Borders Forest Trust regarding their involvement in maintaining Pinnacle Hill Wood was ongoing, with no response received to recent emails.