The Selkirk Common Good Fund Sub Committee met on Friday 4 September 2026 to consider financial reports, an application for funding from Interest Link Borders, and a tree condition survey. The meeting also included private business concerning Linglie Farm and woodland updates.

Monitoring Report for 3 Months to 30 June 2026

The committee was scheduled to consider a monitoring report detailing the income and expenditure for the Selkirk Common Good Fund for the three months ending 30 June 2026. The report, prepared by the Director of Finance, Suzy Douglas, provided a forecast for the remainder of the financial year 2026/27 and high-level projections for the following two years. Appendix 1 of the report indicated a forecast deficit of £51,883 for 2026/27, with an anticipated improvement to a credit of £21,028 by the end of 2028/29. This improved position was attributed to reduced property costs at Market Place, though future increases in property costs were expected once works identified in condition surveys were agreed. Appendix 2 detailed forecast property expenditure, showing £8,576 spent to 30 June 2026 and a further £78,503 forecast for the remainder of the year, offset by anticipated rental income of £110,081. Appendix 3 outlined the approved grant budget for 2026/27, with £6,500 remaining available. Appendix 4 presented the value of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund at 30 June 2026 as £271,152, with a forecast investment income of £13,204 for the year, showing an increase of nearly £12,000 since 31 March 2026. The report recommended that the Sub Committee note the financial information presented.

Application for Financial Assistance - Interest Link Borders

An application for financial assistance of up to £1,500 from Interest Link Borders was scheduled for consideration. The funding was requested to support the costs of befriending groups for 15 Selkirk residents aged 11-68 with learning disabilities. These costs included activities, materials, tutors, sessional staff, venue hire, and transport. The application highlighted that the project aims to break down barriers with the community, improve members' mental wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem, and social and communication skills. It also noted that the project would provide respite for family carers. Supporting documents included the Interest Link 2026 Central Borders Impact Report and Interest Link Annual Accounts 2024-25 .

Tree Condition Survey and Risk Assessment - Rosebank Drive, Selkirk

The committee was to consider a Tree Condition Survey and Risk Assessment for trees on land at Sentry Knowe, Selkirk, following concerns raised by residents. The report, prepared by TD Tree & Land Services, assessed the health, structural condition, and risk posed by the trees. It noted that the trees were not subject to a Tree Preservation Order or located within a Conservation Area, meaning no specific statutory planning controls were in place, although general duties of care applied. The survey identified three early-mature stems functioning as a single structural group, with two additional young trees. While the established trees showed good vitality and progressive occlusion of historic bark wounds, the younger trees had sustained recent damage from vandalism. The report concluded that no tree work was considered necessary at that time, but recommended re-inspection within 5 years for general public access areas, or within 3 years for child-specific access areas, to monitor the progression of wound occlusion, the condition of the vandalised trees, and any changes in structural integrity or site use.

Minute and Action Tracker

The committee was scheduled to consider the minute of the previous meeting held on 4 June 2026 and the associated action tracker. The action tracker would provide updates on outstanding tasks and their progress.

Private Business

The meeting was also scheduled to move into private session to discuss items likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information. These included the private minute and action tracker from the previous meeting, and reports concerning Linglie Farm Building and Retaining Wall, and a Woodland Update. An update on Smedheugh Farm was also listed.