The Peebles Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026 to discuss various park-related matters and review ongoing actions. Key discussions included the proposed Derek Scott Memorial Garden in Haylodge Park and a review of the partnership agreement for Parkrun at Haylodge Park.

Haylodge Park - Derek Scott Memorial Garden

The committee considered further information regarding the proposed Derek Scott Memorial Garden in Haylodge Park. The original plan, which included paths weaving through the garden, has been scaled back due to the cost of plants. The revised proposal is for a 10-metre diameter circle without intersecting paths, containing approximately 30 mixed ornamental trees and shrubs. This garden is intended to provide colour throughout the year and offer wildlife value.

Councillor Drummond Begg raised concerns about the long-term maintenance of such memorials across all parks and suggested the need for a proactive approach to commemorating individuals and the importance of considering a hundred-year view for public spaces. He specifically requested clarity on how the memorial garden would be maintained in the long term, particularly after ten years. George Ramsay, representing the community council, was invited to share his views on the community's vision for its spaces over the next century. Councillor Marshall Douglas also noted that the community council had received a request from someone wishing to plant a tree or place a plaque, and he had enquired about the criteria for such requests.

Haylodge Park - Parkrun

The committee discussed a partnership agreement and review process for Parkrun's use of Haylodge Park. This discussion followed a complaint regarding the operation of the weekly Parkrun event, which raised concerns about public safety, accessibility, use of public space, parking, and liability.

The complainant alleged that Parkrun participants were not adequately yielding to other park users, leading to difficulties for vulnerable individuals. Concerns were also raised about insufficient marshalling, runners wearing headphones, and the misuse of disabled parking bays.

However, the Council's investigation found insufficient evidence to uphold the complaint. Parkrun organisers confirmed that participants are regularly reminded that the park is a shared space and that runners must give way to others. The Council noted that the current arrangements are consistent with those for similar events nationally and that no specific operational concerns were identified. While the complaint was not upheld, the investigation highlighted an opportunity to review and refresh the existing 2018 agreement governing Parkrun's use of Haylodge Park. The proposed new agreement, to be reviewed annually, aims to ensure that arrangements remain fit for purpose and reflect current circumstances, supporting the continued use of the park by both event participants and the wider public. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of Scottish Borders Council, Parkrun UK, and the local volunteer organising team.

Minute and Action Tracker

The committee reviewed the minutes from the meeting held on 19 August 2026 and noted updates to the action tracker. Several ongoing actions were discussed:

• Unlit Path in Victoria Park: Gareth Smith from Streetlighting met with Robin Tatler and Kurt from Streetlighting to assess an area of unlit path in Victoria Park. Kurt is to return with a price for installing two additional streetlight columns. Robin Tatler also mentioned that some solar lights were not working, and efforts are underway to source spares for their replacement. A full update, including costings, is expected in November.
• Memorial Garden: The property update regarding the memorial garden was deferred to the November meeting due to the absence of Councillor Peroni.
• Flood Barriers: The committee is still awaiting advice on whether flood barriers are needed or wanted.
• Bollards at Victoria Park: Details for a second site for bollards at Victoria Park are to be brought to the next meeting.
• Baptist Church and Boundary Wall: Robin Tatler has passed on the task of contacting the Baptist Church regarding the boundary wall to another officer, who has sent two emails and is awaiting a response. The intention is to meet them on site. Efforts are being made to get an update for the November meeting.
• Income Generation (Fishing Rights and Signage): The committee is awaiting costings for basic signage to be put up, which Gareth Smith was to provide. Further issues around the finance side of things have been highlighted, and discussions with Katrina Ewen are planned to gather more information for the November meeting.
• Festival Grant for Toilets: George Ramsay enquired about the festival grant for toilets, which Councillor Julie Pirone was to handle. An update will be sought from Councillor Pirone.