The Hawick Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 17 June 2026 to discuss financial assistance applications, review the fund's monitoring report, and consider a motion regarding the provision of a Christmas tree for the town. Decisions were made to approve financial assistance for Tunes by the Teviot and the Hawick Common Riding Committee, and to note the fund's financial position and future forecasts.

Christmas Tree for Hawick

Councillor Watson McAteer, seconded by Councillor Stuart Marshall, put forward a motion recognising the value of an annual Christmas tree in Hawick. The motion requested the Director of Environment and Infrastructure to investigate the Hawick Common Good woodlands for suitable tree species and identify an area for planting Christmas tree species for future provision. It also proposed to ring-fence up to £1,500 in 2026 to support an application for a Christmas tree if a suitable one could not be found from council woodlands. Councillor Annette Smart supported the motion, particularly the aspect of planting new trees for sustainability, suggesting it could be a model for other communities. Councillor Jane Cox and Councillor Neil Richards also indicated their support. The motion was agreed.

Financial Monitoring Report and Budget

Catriona Ewen, Statutory Reporting and Treasury Business Partner, presented the Monitoring Report for the 12 months to 31 March 2026 and the Proposed Budget for 2026-27. The report detailed the fund's income and expenditure, showing a deficit balance of £98,340 at the end of March 2026. Future forecasts indicated a reducing deficit, with the fund expected to return to a surplus position. Property expenditure was noted as high in the past year but projected to decrease. The investment fund with Aegon Asset Management showed a positive improvement in its unrealised loss compared to the previous year. Councillor McAteer raised concerns about the sustainability of funding common good assets at a level that is unsustainable against income, suggesting a fundamental review of the approach to these assets. Nuala McKinlay, Director of Corporate Governance, reassured members that work was ongoing in this area and suggested adding it to the action tracker. Councillor Annette Smart sought clarification on a £10,000 difference in rental income, which Catriona Ewen explained was due to accounting adjustments for rent received in advance, representing a timing difference rather than a deficit. The committee agreed to note the financial position and forecasts, and approve the draft budget for 2026/27.

Applications for Financial Assistance

Tunes by the Teviot

An application for £1,750 from Tunes by the Teviot was considered to contribute to artist and band fees, and essential event infrastructure for their 2026 event. Councillor McAteer supported the application, noting discussions with the organisers about sustainability and building resilience for future events. Councillor Jane Cox questioned why the funding was needed given the projected surplus, but Councillor McAteer explained that the funds were for artists and bands, and that the projected surplus was not yet realised income. Catriona Ewen suggested that more detailed breakdown of event costs would provide comfort, and Councillor Annette Smart highlighted that projected surplus is not guaranteed income and that upfront payments for artists are often required. The committee agreed to support the application, with the understanding that the organisers would focus on future sustainability.

Hawick Common Riding Committee

An application for £1,996 was considered from the Hawick Common Riding Committee to cover the cost of additional portable toilets required for the Common Riding weekend. This was due to the removal of existing permanent toilets and a delay in replacement facilities. Frank Scott of the Common Riding Committee noted that this would be an annual requirement until new facilities are provided. Councillor Neil Richards expressed concern about the recurring nature of the request. Catriona Ewen pointed out that the application was for the current year and that the committee's accounts generally showed they were not making a profit. The committee agreed to support the application.

Hawick Honorary Provost's Council

An application for £3,000 from the Hawick Honorary Provost's Council for funding various civic duties was noted. Councillor Cox had previously raised that an evaluation of a previous application had not been completed, but it was confirmed this was being addressed. Councillor McAteer emphasised the transparency of the process and the justification for the funding. Nuala McKinlay reminded members that this was an unusual situation where the subcommittee could express a view, but the final decision would go to the full council due to potential conflicts of interest. Councillor McAteer expressed his view that the application was justified, allowing the Provost Council to continue its voluntary activities in support of the town. The application was noted and would be taken forward.

Frederick Douglass Working Group Update

An update report from the Frederick Douglass Working Group (FDWG) was considered. Councillor McAteer commended the group for their work in promoting diversity and educating young people, highlighting the value of their efforts. Councillor Jane Cox suggested Rory Bannerman, a key figure in the FDWG, could be considered for a Provost Award for his work. The committee noted the impressive report detailing the group's achievements and future projects.

Minutes and Action Tracker

The minutes of previous meetings held on 19 November 2025, 15 December 2025, and 4 March 2026 were approved. The action tracker and financial assistance action tracker were also noted. Councillor Jane Cox raised a query regarding the return of evaluation forms from groups that had received grants, with William Mohieddeen explaining the subcommittee's policy of not awarding further grants until previous evaluation forms had been submitted.

Woodland Management Plan

Agenda item 8, the Woodland Management Plan, was withdrawn.