The Chambers Institution Trust meeting on Tuesday 29 September 2026 discussed the ongoing project to refurbish the Chambers Institution, with updates on phase one progress and plans for future phases. The Trust also approved a £375 expenditure for a sign to assist a tenant, Go Tweed Valley, in attracting visitors to their new location.

Project Update

Councillor Robin Tatler, Chair of the Chambers Institution Trust, provided an update on the ongoing refurbishment project. Phase one of the project is reported to be on track, with all planning issues resolved and the tendering process for the main contractor underway. The decant of tenants has been completed, and the project team is now focused on appointing a main contractor. The building work is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027, with a full recanting of the museum, library, and citizens' advice bureau expected around March 2028.

Signage for Go Tweed Valley

An urgent item was brought before the Trust concerning Go Tweed Valley, a tenant who had been decanted to the foot of Old School Bray. While their new premises are described as absolutely superb, the tenant reported issues with visitor numbers, as people were not finding their location as easily as they did at their previous High Street premises. To address this, Go Tweed Valley requested funding for a sign to be placed on an existing bracket, which previously indicated shops and offices in the School Bray area. The Trust formally approved an expenditure of £375 to fund this sign, which has already been erected and is described as looking fab. The hope is that the sign will increase visitor numbers to Go Tweed Valley.

Friends of the Chambers Institute Update

Sam Coe, Chair of the Friends of the Chambers Institute, provided an update on the organisation's activities since the last meeting in May. The Friends have established a bank account and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chambers Institution Trust. They are also exploring smaller-scale funding opportunities. While no trustee meetings have been held recently due to the holiday period, a meeting is planned within the next three weeks to review the membership drive, discuss trustee appointments, review Phase 1.5 discussions, and look ahead to the completion of Phase 1. Fundraising opportunities will also be reviewed, and arrangements for the first members' meeting, planned for November or December, will be discussed.

Councillor Drummond Begg suggested that the Friends should reach out to all local MSPs, not just the constituency MSP and MP, to garner support for the Chambers Institution. Councillor Julie Pirone also recommended including the chief executive of Live Borders on the list of individuals and organisations to contact, given their significant use of the Chambers. Councillor Tatler agreed to add these suggestions to their outreach list.

The Friends of the Chambers Institute is effectively replacing the previous beneficiaries' group. While the exact role of the Friends is still being defined, it is anticipated that it will become more apparent as the project progresses, particularly after the completion of Phase 1.

Property Update

Gareth Smith, Property Manager, provided a verbal update on property maintenance. Repairs to the kitchen roof at the Borough Hall have been completed by Carrick, and minor roof repairs, including slips and lights, have been carried out by Tweeddale Roofs. G&B Electrical replaced some baton fittings in the dressing room area due to poor lighting.

Regarding the Peebleshire War Memorial, a report from Frew's has been received following stone analysis. An estimate for the conservation and repair work from McIntyre Masonry is nearly £60,000, and two other contractor estimates are awaited. The Trust plans to discuss these quotes in detail at a future private session and will be looking to apply for funding for the repairs. The heritage and design team have also requested to visit the memorial and have asked for an analysis of the mortar, for which a price will be obtained. The next meeting will likely involve discussions on funding applications, with the fundraiser, Jason Dyer, expected to attend. Councillor Drummond Begg highlighted the importance of understanding available grants and their percentage contributions to inform decision-making.

Councillor Robin Tatler expressed a desire to be involved in any site meetings related to the war memorial repairs.

Project Update (Phase 1)

Councillor Robin Tatler provided a brief update on the progress of Phase 1 of the Chambers Institution project, stating that it is absolutely on track. Planning issues have been resolved, and the project team is now focused on the tendering process for the main contractor, who is expected to be appointed shortly. The decant of tenants has been completed, and the project is on track for building work completion by the end of 2027, with a full return of services by March 2028.

Other Business

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 20 May 2026. There were no other items previously circulated, and the meeting moved to private business after the approval of the £375 expenditure for Go Tweed Valley's signage.