The Peebles Common Good Fund Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider requests for the use of council land for community events and a review of rental income from council properties. The meeting was scheduled to discuss plans for Treefest on Tweed Green and the Borders Winter Series cross country races at Haylodge Park.

Treefest on Tweed Green

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider a request to host Treefest on Tweed Green in Peebles from 23 to 25 October 2026. The event, organised by TreeFest Lothian and Borders Partnership, was intended to be a wood market and tree festival. The application materials included a booking form detailing the event's purpose, requested location, dates, and expected attendance of around 300 people. Documentation also outlined insurance cover for the event, including public liability of £10,000,000 and employers' liability of £5,000,000. A comprehensive risk assessment was provided, detailing potential hazards such as manual handling, crushing injuries, fire, inclement weather, trips and falls, and children getting lost. Specific activities like a conker championship, butchery demonstration, tree climbing, and chainsaw carving were also assessed for risk. The risk assessment highlighted the need for experienced operators and appropriate safety measures for each activity.

Borders Winter Series Cross Country Races

A request from Moorfoot Running Club to use Haylodge Park for the Peebles round of the Borders Winter Series cross country races was scheduled to be considered. The event was planned for 29 November 2026, with an expected attendance of approximately 400 participants, including juniors and seniors, along with spectators. The club indicated that they would obtain a Scottish Athletics licence for the event, which includes insurance cover. A risk assessment was provided, identifying hazards such as inadequate separation of competitors and unclear signage, leading to potential collisions with other park users. Measures to mitigate these risks included course marking with tape, liaison with other park users, marshalling, and the provision of first aid cover. The assessment also addressed the risk of runners getting lost, last-minute course problems like flooding or fallen trees, and individual medical emergencies. The organisers stated that the event would be cancelled in the event of adverse weather conditions, such as an amber or red weather warning.

Common Good Properties Rent Review

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the approval of a proposed rent review for properties managed by the Common Good Fund. This item was listed under Private Business, indicating that the public would be excluded from this part of the meeting. The report pack indicated that this discussion would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information.

The meeting was also scheduled to consider the minutes from the previous meeting held on 18 September 2026.