The Kelso Common Good Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss financial monitoring, maintenance of a boundary fence, and updates on ongoing matters. The committee noted the healthy financial position of the Kelso Common Good Fund and approved the expenditure for the maintenance of a boundary fence at Pinnacle Hill.

Financial Monitoring Report

Catriona Ewen presented the monitoring report for the three months ending 30 June 2026. The report indicated a healthy financial position for the Kelso Common Good Fund, with a forecast surplus of £39,208 for the year 2026/27, projected to increase to £68,813 by the end of 2028/29. The investment income from the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund was performing well, showing an unrealised gain of £16,534 (4.84%) as of 30 June 2026, which was noted as the best performance seen in the last four years. Councillor Tom Weatherston commented that in his nearly 20 years of involvement, the fund was in its healthiest position. The committee agreed to note the financial position and information presented in the report, with Councillor Simon Mountford proposing acceptance of the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Tom Weatherston.

Maintenance of Boundary Fence at Pinnacle Hill

The committee considered a quote for the painting of the boundary fence at Pinnacle Hill. Dave Berry of the Community Justice Team provided an estimate of £335.00 for materials, including paintbrushes and creosote, to treat a significant section of wooden fencing between Pinnacle Hill and Pinnacle Hill Farm. This work was identified as a necessary maintenance task due to the fence's condition. Councillor Simon Mountford proposed accepting the estimate and authorising Dave Berry to proceed with the work, expressing a preference not to undertake further work on other fencing sections unless specifically requested, due to accessibility issues and the fact that some fencing had already been replaced by homeowners. Councillor Tom Weatherston seconded this, agreeing that action should only be taken if there were complaints. The expenditure would be covered by the £4,000 allocated for work in the woodland. The committee agreed to the expenditure, and Councillor Euan Robson confirmed he would handle the purchase order procedure.

Updates on Ongoing Matters

The committee received updates on several ongoing issues. Jillian Bluett, the solicitor, advised that the Provost's brooch could not be added to the common good register as it was not an immovable asset and had not been part of the borough's property. Ms. Bluett agreed to investigate other potential registers for insurance and secure storage purposes and would circulate an email with this information, including Gavin Horsburgh.

Regarding the toilet block at Croft Park, Fiona Henderson provided an update stating that heads of terms had been discussed with Neil Hastie. However, Mr. Hastie was currently on leave, and an update would be sought upon his return. It was noted that the development officer for the rugby club had changed, which might have contributed to delays.

The committee also discussed the ACON tracker, specifically the agreement not to make further investment until costs for Pinnacle Hill Woodland were known. This item was deferred until the agenda item on Pinnacle Hill Wood was addressed.

Finally, the committee noted that no further investment would be made in ACON at this time, with a decision on any future investment to be made in January. The matter was to be removed from the action tracker.