This week in Scottish Borders:

Housing Ambitions Clash with Funding Realities: Over 1,100 Affordable Homes Planned, But Only 700 Likely Deliverable

The Executive Committee met on Tuesday 06 October 2026, grappling with the ambitious targets set out in the Strategic Housing Investment Plan (SHIP) for 2027-2032. While the plan outlines the potential to deliver a remarkable 1,184 new affordable homes, the stark reality is that current funding models suggest only around 705 homes are realistically achievable within the next five years. This significant gap between aspiration and delivery could leave many residents waiting longer for much-needed affordable housing.

The SHIP, a rolling five-year plan submitted annually to the Scottish Government, highlights the immense cost involved – an estimated £331 million to achieve the ambitious target. While the Scottish Government has confirmed a funding allocation of £74.23 million for the next four years, providing some clarity, it falls short of the total required. This shortfall could mean that projects identified in the plan, which are crucial for addressing housing need, particularly in rural areas, may be delayed or scaled back. The committee agreed to the recommendations in the report, but the underlying challenge of securing sufficient funding remains a critical concern for those seeking affordable homes.

Read the full details of the Executive Committee meeting

Winter Service Plan Approved: Automated Salting Technology to Enhance Efficiency

The Executive Committee also approved the Winter Service Plan for 2026-27 on Tuesday 06 October 2026. While the plan largely maintains previous policies and operational arrangements, a key development is the introduction of automated salting technology across 22 of the council's 28 primary gritting routes. This technology aims to improve the accuracy and consistency of salt application, potentially reducing salt usage and environmental impact, while also providing better data on service delivery.

However, concerns were raised about public communication regarding gritting decisions. Councillor Robin Tatler highlighted that residents often question why salt is applied on days when it may not appear necessary. While officers assured that efforts would be made to improve communications, this points to a need for clearer public understanding of the complex decision-making process behind winter road maintenance. The plan's reliance on resilient communities and volunteers was also emphasised, underscoring the importance of community involvement in keeping roads safe during challenging weather.

Read the full details of the Executive Committee meeting

Live Borders Board to Welcome New Directors to Address Skills Gaps

The Executive Committee agreed on Tuesday 06 October 2026 to increase the number of independent directors on the Live Borders board. This decision follows a skills analysis that identified gaps in human resources, sport and leisure, and culture. The proposed increase of two independent directors will bring the total to six, aiming to bring fresh expertise and perspectives to the organisation.

This move is crucial for the effective governance of Live Borders, which manages vital sport, leisure, and cultural facilities across the region. The articles of association ensure that Scottish Borders Council retains significant control, with a nomination committee to oversee the appointment process. This ensures that new directors will be carefully selected to address the identified needs, ultimately benefiting the services provided to the community.

Read the full details of the Executive Committee meeting

Wind Farm Proposal Objected To: Concerns Over Landscape, Eagles, and Grid Connection

The Planning and Building Standards Committee met on Monday 05 October 2026 and resolved to object to the proposed Leithenwater Wind Energy Hub. The application, which seeks consent for up to 13 turbines reaching 200 metres in height, was met with significant concerns from the committee.

Key objections include:

• Landscape and Visual Impacts: The development is considered to have significant adverse effects on the Upper Tweeddale National Scenic Area and the Tweed Valley Special Landscape Area. The sheer scale of the turbines is predicted to be detrimental to the scenic qualities of these protected landscapes, with impacts visible up to 16.5 kilometres away.
• Protected Species: Insufficient information was provided to demonstrate that the development would not harm golden eagles, a protected species, raising concerns about collision risk and habitat impact.
• Grid Connection Uncertainty: Due to a high degree of uncertainty regarding the grid connection's point, route, and infrastructure, the full environmental implications could not be appraised. This echoes concerns raised in previous planning decisions where the impact of associated infrastructure was not fully understood.

While acknowledging the contribution to renewable energy targets, the committee concluded that these benefits did not outweigh the identified environmental impacts. Councillor Sandy Scott voiced a dissenting opinion, arguing that NatureScot had not objected and that the council's own Local Development Plan supports renewable energy. However, the majority supported the officers' recommendation to object, recognising that the final decision rests with the Scottish Government's Energy Consent Unit.

Read the full details of the Planning and Building Standards Committee meeting

Hawick Conservation Area Appraisal Adopted: Guidance for Heritage Protection

The Planning and Building Standards Committee also adopted the Hawick Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan (CAA & MP) on Monday 05 October 2026. This plan, now adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance, aims to identify the special architectural and historic interest of Hawick's conservation area and provide guidance for its management.

The consultation process revealed strong public support for the appraisal, with residents valuing the town's historic buildings, traditional shopfronts, and textile heritage. Key concerns raised included vacant buildings and the condition of public spaces. The adopted plan will serve as a crucial reference for owners, applicants, and decision-makers, supporting future heritage-led regeneration efforts. While Councillor Sandy Scott raised concerns about the cost of conservation, officers clarified that the document provides guidance rather than committing to specific funding.

Read the full details of the Planning and Building Standards Committee meeting

Other Matters

The Local Licensing Forum was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 06 October 2026 to consider licensing matters. However, this meeting is marked as pending council publication, meaning details are not yet available.

This week in Scottish Borders:

Health and Social Care Faces Significant Financial Strain: Overspends and Sustainability Risks Highlighted

The Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board met on Wednesday 30 September 2026, revealing significant financial challenges that could impact vital services. The Board approved the audited annual accounts for the 2025/26 financial year, which showed a £6.5 million overspend in delegated services. This required additional payments from NHS Borders (£3.9 million) and Scottish Borders Council (SBC) (£2.6 million).

While the Integration Joint Board's (IGB) reserves increased to £16.6 million, largely due to one-off Scottish Government funding, a stark warning was issued: a projected £34 million deficit over the next five years poses a serious risk to the IGB's future financial sustainability. This could mean difficult choices ahead regarding the provision of care and support for some of our most vulnerable residents, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals requiring mental health support.

To address this, the Board agreed to use £172,000 per year from its reserves to fund two new senior posts: a Head of IGB Planning and Performance, and an IGB Strategic Projects Manager. These roles are intended to bolster strategic planning and commissioning capabilities.

The Board also reviewed its performance against national indicators, noting areas of concern such as emergency admissions and delayed discharges. The lack of a formal Performance Framework means there's an opportunity to develop new strategic metrics to better monitor the impact of commissioning decisions and local progress. This is essential to ensure that services are not only financially viable but also effectively meeting the needs of the community.

Read the full details of the Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board meeting

Chambers Institution Refurbishment on Track, But Tenant Support Needed

The Chambers Institution Trust met on Tuesday 29 September 2026, receiving positive updates on the ongoing refurbishment project. Phase one is reported to be on track, with planning issues resolved and the tendering process for the main contractor underway. Tenants have been decanted, and building work is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027, with a full return of services expected around March 2028.

However, a practical issue arose for one of the decanted tenants, Go Tweed Valley. They reported difficulties with visitor numbers at their new premises on Old School Bray, as people were not finding their location as easily as before. To address this, the Trust formally approved an expenditure of £375 to fund a sign to help attract visitors. This small but significant expenditure highlights how even minor logistical challenges can impact local businesses and community organisations.

The Trust also heard from the Friends of the Chambers Institute, who are actively working on fundraising and membership drives. Councillor Drummond Begg suggested reaching out to all local MSPs for support, a sentiment echoed by Councillor Julie Pirone regarding the chief executive of Live Borders. This collaborative approach is vital for garnering wider support for the institution.

The meeting also touched upon property maintenance, including repairs to the Borough Hall and dressing room lighting. A significant concern was raised regarding the Peebleshire War Memorial, with an estimate of nearly £60,000 for conservation and repair work. The Trust plans to discuss quotes in detail and seek funding for these essential repairs, underscoring the council's commitment to preserving local heritage.

Read the full details of the Chambers Institution Trust meeting

Community Council Funding Review Continues: Focus on Fairer Distribution

The Community Council Funding Review Working Group met on Friday 02 October 2026 to discuss proposals for the future funding of community councils. These groups are the backbone of local democracy, acting as the first point of contact for residents on a wide range of issues. The decisions made by this group will directly impact their ability to serve their communities.

The group reviewed several models for the Community Grants Base Rate, including options for a 10% increase on current bands and models based on a fixed base rate plus a pence per head rate dependent on population. The aim is to ensure that no community council receives less funding than before, while also exploring fairer distribution methods. A favoured model involves a base grant supplemented by a per capita amount, with restructured population bands to better reflect local demographics. This approach could mean more resources for larger communities, enabling them to undertake more ambitious projects, while ensuring smaller communities still receive adequate support.

Discussions also covered insurance arrangements, with the council currently covering the cost of insurance for all community councils. The meeting considered whether the council should continue to cover the cost of any additional insurance taken out by community councils. Data protection fees were also addressed, with the council continuing to handle these renewals to avoid an administrative burden on community councils.

Draft recommendations included increasing the support grant through the favoured model, implementing an annual inflationary uplift, and increasing the budget for hall hire reimbursement to reflect rising energy costs. The proposal to make a grant of £1,250 per annum available to a new community council network, once established, is a positive step towards fostering collaboration and shared learning between these vital local bodies.

Read the full details of the Community Council Funding Review Working Group meeting

This week in Scottish Borders:

Health and Social Care Faces Significant Financial Strain: Overspends and Sustainability Risks Highlighted

The Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board Audit Committee met on Monday 21 September 2026, revealing significant financial challenges that could impact vital services. The committee reviewed the audited annual accounts for the 2025/26 financial year, which showed an overspend of £6.5 million in delegated services. While overall reserves increased, the report flagged a serious risk to the future financial sustainability of the Integration Joint Board (IJB). This could mean difficult choices ahead regarding the provision of care and support for some of our most vulnerable residents.

The Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board itself is set to meet on Wednesday 30 September 2026, where these audited accounts will be further discussed. The agenda includes a proposal for financial planning in 2026/27, aiming to address a projected £34 million gap over the next five years. This stark financial reality underscores the pressure on health and social care services, which are crucial for the wellbeing of elderly residents, those with disabilities, and individuals requiring mental health support. The board is considering using £172,000 per year from its reserves to fund two new senior posts to help manage this crisis.

Furthermore, the board will review its performance against national indicators. Currently, the IJB lacks a formal Performance Framework, meaning there's an opportunity to develop new strategic metrics to better monitor the impact of commissioning decisions and local progress. This is essential to ensure that services are not only financially viable but also effectively meeting the needs of the community.

Read the full details of the Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board Audit Committee meeting Read the full details of the Health & Social Care Integration Joint Board meeting

Council Grapples with Annual Accounts and Treasury Management Amidst Broader Reform Discussions

The Scottish Borders Council met on Thursday 24 September 2026 to address its financial standing and consider its response to national reform agendas. The meeting reviewed the audited Annual Accounts for 2025/26, which, according to Audit Scotland, were unqualified and free from material misstatement. However, the council also considered its Annual Treasury Management Report for the same period. This report details the council's borrowing and investment activities, and while it indicated robust investment returns, it also confirmed that the council remained under-borrowed against its Capital Financing Requirement (CFR).

The council also engaged in discussions about public service reform and local government reform, prompted by the Scottish Government's Programme for Government. The council's stance is to support changes that lead to clear public outcomes and strengthen prevention, but any structural reorganisation would need a convincing rationale and evidence of improved outcomes. This cautious approach reflects the need to ensure that any reforms genuinely benefit residents and do not disrupt essential services.

Furthermore, the council considered its position on regionalisation propositions for the Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region and the South of Scotland. This indicates a move towards greater collaboration, which could impact how services are delivered across different local authority areas.

A motion by Councillor MacKinnon also brought the role of beavers in flood mitigation to the council's attention, highlighting the growing interest in nature-based solutions for environmental challenges.

Read the full details of the Scottish Borders Council meeting

Audit Committee Reviews Corporate Risks and Internal Audit Progress

The Audit Committee met on Monday 21 September 2026 to scrutinise the council's risk management and internal audit functions. The Director of Risk Management presented an overview of corporate risks, highlighting several red-rated risks. These include IT skills gaps within Property Services, challenges in property maintenance due to asset condition, and significant fire risks within Waste Services. Health and safety in Waste Services was also identified as a major concern following a previous incident. These risks have direct implications for the safety and efficiency of council operations, potentially affecting services that residents rely on.

The committee also reviewed the Annual Treasury Management Report, which confirmed that the council's investment returns remained robust. However, the report noted that the council remained under-borrowed against its Capital Financing Requirement (CFR).

Internal audit updates provided a picture of ongoing work, with reports on Lone Working Health and Safety and the Financial Inclusion Service being issued. The Lone Working report resulted in six medium-rated recommendations, all accepted by management, aiming to improve safety for staff working alone. The Financial Inclusion Service report indicated that the team was performing well, exceeding targets. The committee also received an update on the implementation of internal audit recommendations, showing an improved picture compared to the previous quarter, with a significant number of actions completed.

Read the full details of the Audit Committee meeting

This week in Scottish Borders:

Gala Tandoori Secures Premises Licence Amidst Licensing Board Meeting

The Scottish Borders Licensing Board met on Friday 18 September 2026, considering an application for a provisional grant of a premises licence for Gala Tandoori in Galashiels. The applicant, Abeerah Limited, sought permission to sell alcohol both on and off the premises at 36 Market Street, Galashiels.

The proposed licensed hours were from 11:00 am to 12:00 am for on-sales and 11:00 am to 10:00 pm for off-sales, Monday to Sunday. The premises, a terraced building at the corner of Market Street and Overhaugh Street, includes a bar, seating area, kitchen, toilets, and storage.

Crucially, there were no objections received from Police Scotland, the Licensing Standards Enforcement Officer, or the Health department. The operating plan detailed that alcohol would be available for consumption on and off the premises, with restaurant facilities and recorded music also provided. Children and young persons would be permitted entry until 10:00 pm for dining or takeaway, and for pre-arranged private functions. The premises have a proposed capacity of 40 people. The application was granted by the Board.

Read the full details of the Scottish Borders Licensing Board meeting

Eyemouth Primary School Future Debated at Special Council Meeting

A special meeting of the Scottish Borders Council was convened on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss the future of primary education in Eyemouth. The meeting was called following a requisition by councillors concerned about the proposed 3-18 campus school solution.

The requisition highlighted concerns about the feasibility of the campus model and called for an urgent debate to determine the most timely and cost-effective way to deliver a new school for Eyemouth. The council was set to consider input from the Director of Education and Children's Services and the Director of Infrastructure and Environment.

The requisition also gave notice of the possibility of amending, varying, or rescinding the council's previous decision on the Eyemouth Primary school project made on 21 May 2026. This indicates that the previous plans for the school were under significant review. The meeting was allocated 120 minutes for this critical discussion on the future of local education.

Read the full details of the Scottish Borders Council meeting

Kelso Common Good Fund Shows Healthy Financial Position and Approves Fence Maintenance

The Kelso Common Good Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, reviewing the fund's financial health and approving essential maintenance work. The committee was presented with a monitoring report for the three months ending 30 June 2026, which indicated a robust financial position for the Kelso Common Good Fund. A projected surplus of £39,208 for the 2026/27 financial year was forecast, expected to rise to £68,813 by the end of 2028/29.

Investment income from the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund was performing strongly, showing an unrealised gain of £16,534 (4.84%) as of 30 June 2026. Councillor Tom Weatherston remarked that in his nearly 20 years of involvement, the fund was in its healthiest position. The committee agreed to note this positive financial outlook.

In terms of practical matters, the committee considered a quote for the painting of the boundary fence at Pinnacle Hill. An estimate of £335.00 for materials was approved, with the work to be carried out by Dave Berry of the Community Justice Team. This expenditure will be covered by the £4,000 allocated for woodland work. The decision to proceed with the fence maintenance ensures the upkeep of local assets and demonstrates responsible management of the Common Good Fund.

Read the full details of the Kelso Common Good Sub-Committee meeting

Local Review Body Upholds Appeals for Solar Panels and Holiday Let, Dismisses Window Replacement Appeal

The Local Review Body met on Monday 14 September 2026, considering three appeals against planning decisions. In a significant outcome for homeowners and businesses, two appeals were upheld, allowing for the installation of solar panels and the change of use of an office to a holiday let. However, an appeal against the refusal of replacement windows was dismissed.

Solar Panels Approved for Newcastleton Home

The appeal against the refusal of planning permission for solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage at 12 South Liddle Street, Newcastleton, was upheld. This decision overturned the officer's recommendation to refuse, which had cited concerns about the impact on the Newcastleton Conservation Area and the need for a bat survey. Councillors debated the visual impact on the conservation area, with some arguing that modern adaptations should be permitted. The majority voted to uphold the appeal, granting permission subject to conditions to mitigate the impact on the conservation area. This decision supports renewable energy initiatives while seeking to balance them with local character.

Holiday Let Approved in Broughton Despite Passing Place Condition

The appeal against the refusal of planning permission for a change of use from an office to a holiday let at Glen Kirk, Broughton, was also upheld. The original refusal was based on a condition requiring the construction of a passing place on the single-track access road. Applicants argued this condition was disproportionate to the scale of the development – a single-bedroom holiday let. The councillors agreed that the condition was excessive given the minimal increase in traffic expected. The appeal was upheld, removing the passing place condition, but retaining original conditions regarding the holiday let's link to the residential property and occupancy controls. This decision supports rural tourism development while acknowledging the practicalities for small-scale businesses.

Replacement Windows Appeal Dismissed in Peebles

The appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the retrospective replacement of windows at 45-6 March Street, Peebles, was dismissed. The original application was refused because the UPVC casement windows were deemed to be out of character with the conservation area and detracted from the listed building's historic interest. Councillors agreed with the officer's assessment, highlighting that the installed windows were not in keeping with the traditional style of the building and the surrounding streetscape. The retrospective nature of the application was also noted as a significant factor. This decision reinforces the importance of adhering to conservation area guidelines and seeking advice before undertaking work on listed buildings.

Read the full details of the Local Review Body meeting

Other Matters

The Scottish Borders Licensing Board met on Friday 18 September 2026. The Board considered an application for a provisional grant of a premises licence for Gala Tandoori in Galashiels, which was subsequently granted. Read the full details

The Pension Board met on Thursday 17 September 2026. The Board considered minutes of a previous meeting, matters arising from a joint meeting with the Pension Committee, and an appointment to a sub-committee. Read the full details

The Scottish Borders Council convened a special meeting on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss the future of primary education in Eyemouth. Read the full details

The Civic Govt Licensing Committee meeting scheduled for Friday 18 September 2026 was cancelled.

The Kelso Common Good Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The committee reviewed financial monitoring reports and approved expenditure for the maintenance of a boundary fence at Pinnacle Hill. Read the full details

The Pension Fund Committee and Pension Board met on Thursday 17 September 2026. The committee reviewed the Final Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26, budget monitoring, and several key policies including Communication, Admission, and Overpayment policies. Read the full details

The Jedburgh Common Good Sub-Committee was scheduled to meet on Monday 14 September 2026 to consider financial assistance applications and review the fund's financial performance. Read the full details

The Peebles Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026. Discussions included the proposed Derek Scott Memorial Garden in Haylodge Park and a review of the partnership agreement for Parkrun at Haylodge Park. Read the full details