This week in Scottish Borders:

Wind Farm Objections: Heritage Sites and Grid Connection Concerns Dominate Planning Decisions

The Planning and Building Standards Committee met this week, with two significant wind farm applications drawing strong objections. The committee voiced concerns over the potential impact on ancient heritage sites and the lack of clarity surrounding grid connections, demonstrating the complex balancing act involved in approving renewable energy projects.

Glenburnie Wind Farm: Heritage at Risk, Grid Connection Uncertain

The committee resolved to object to the proposed Glenburnie Wind Farm, a development of up to 12 wind turbines reaching 220 metres in height. While the applicant reduced the number of turbines from 19, concerns remain about the visual impact on three Iron Age scheduled monument hillforts: Addinston, Longcroft, and Glenburnie. Historic Environment Scotland and the council's Archaeology Officer both raised objections due to the adverse visual effects on these heritage assets.

A critical issue for the committee was the insufficient assessment of the proposed 12km grid connection. Citing the recent Raeshaw Farms Limited v Scottish Ministers court decision, which mandates a comprehensive assessment of all project components, including grid connections, officers argued that the environmental effects of the project as a whole had not been fully considered. This lack of detail on the grid connection, which would link to a substation not yet constructed, was a key factor in the decision to object. Councillor Sandy Scott was the sole dissenting voice, arguing that renewable energy benefits should outweigh the impacts on the hillforts.

The decision to object means the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit (ECU) will be advised of the council's concerns. The ECU is the determining authority for this type of application, which falls under Section 36 of the Electricity Act.

Read the full details of the Glenburnie Wind Farm application

Monashee Farm Wind Farm: Landscape and Visual Impacts Lead to Refusal

The committee also voted to refuse the application for a wind farm at Monashee Farm, comprising three turbines up to 180 metres high. The council's Landscape Architect raised significant concerns about the landscape and visual impacts, deeming them unacceptable and extending beyond a localised level. Adverse visual impacts on scheduled monuments, including the potential encirclement of Edin's Hall Broch, fort and settlement, were also cited by the council's Archaeologist.

Objectors highlighted the landscape and visual impacts, the undetermined grid connection, and the impact on residential amenity. While the applicant, Green Switch Capital, argued for the project's local benefits, including community ownership opportunities and a £100,000 annual community benefit package, the committee ultimately sided with the officers' recommendation for refusal. The reasons for refusal centred on significant adverse landscape and visual impacts, unacceptable cumulative impacts, and insufficient information regarding the grid connection. Councillor Sandy Scott again dissented from the decision.

View the details of the Monashee Farm wind farm application

Ettrick Primary School: Community Hub and Bunkhouse Approved

In a positive development for the Ettrick Valley, the committee approved the change of use for the former Ettrick Primary School to a community hub with a bunkhouse, museum, and multi-use space. Despite some local resident concerns about potential impacts on residential amenity and water supply, the council's Environmental Health Officer raised no objections subject to conditions. This decision breathes new life into a disused school building, aiming to create a valuable community asset.

Read more about the Ettrick Primary School application

Other Matters

• Meteorological Mast Renewal: A temporary consent for a meteorological mast near Hillhouse, Oxton, was renewed for two years. Details of the meteorological mast application
• Knitting Workshop Planning Permission Revoked: Planning permission for a knitting workshop at The Bungalow, Eastcote, Hawick, was revoked at the applicant's request. Information on the revocation
• Appeals and Reviews: The committee received an update on planning appeals and local reviews, noting no new appeals had been received or determined in the past month. Briefing note on appeals and reviews

Live Borders Performance: Financial Challenges and Transformation Efforts Continue

The External Services/Providers Monitoring Group met to review the performance of Live Borders for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report highlighted ongoing financial challenges for the organisation, alongside progress on a joint transformation programme aimed at improving service delivery and financial sustainability.

Live Borders continues to face a significant financial deficit, prompting a review of its sporting and cultural services. The council has committed to providing additional revenue funding and exploring new management models for several venues, with the goal of achieving Community Asset Transfer by March 2029. A capital investment of up to £5.2 million has also been agreed to help generate additional income.

While sports participation and membership retention remain strong, with a 70% retention rate for the quarter, museum visits were down slightly. Initiatives like an escape room at Jedburgh Jail and costume tours are planned to boost visitor numbers. Health referrals have also seen a decrease due to the loss of external funding for some programmes.

Councillor James Anderson raised questions about the renewal of the 2016 contract, the operating deficit, and Live Borders' success in securing external funding. Director of Resilient Communities, Jenni Craig, confirmed that the Service Provision Agreement (SPA), essentially the contract, is being revised and is expected to be completed by August. Katrina McMurdo reported that Live Borders raised £310,000 in funding and £80,000 in donations in the previous year, with a new fundraising strategy in place.

The group also discussed staff training, with a significant increase in modules undertaken. The introduction of a new induction process, an increased learning and development budget, and a new part-time learning and development officer are all aimed at improving staff skills and compliance.

The ongoing transformation programme is a crucial effort to address the financial pressures faced by Live Borders. The success of this programme will be vital for ensuring the continued provision of essential leisure and cultural services across the Scottish Borders.

Read the Live Borders Performance Report

Community Councils: Reviewing Support and Planning for Consultation

The Review of Non-Financial Support to Community Councils Working Group met to discuss the ongoing review of support provided to community councils. This group is crucial for ensuring that these vital local bodies have the resources and guidance they need to effectively represent their communities.

The group was preparing for a public consultation, scheduled to run from 5 June to 3 August 2026. This consultation aims to gather feedback on how the council can best support community councils with various aspects of their work, including website maintenance, public communications, data protection, meeting recording, minute-taking, records management, archiving, volunteering, funding applications, and procurement. The council is exploring options for providing template guidance and signposting to relevant services.

A key discussion point was the future structure of community council networking. The preferred model is a Borders-wide approach, with two larger meetings per year and breakout sessions focused on shared interests. This aims to foster better information sharing and collaboration across community councils.

The outcomes of this consultation will inform recommendations to the Executive Committee, ensuring that support for community councils is effective and responsive to their needs.

Find out more about the Review of Non-Financial Support to Community Councils Working Group

Community Planning Strategic Board: Tackling Poverty and Local Needs

The Community Planning Strategic Board was scheduled to discuss critical issues including poverty reduction, locality plans, and progress reports from various delivery groups. The meeting's focus on child poverty and the endorsement of the Integrated Children's Annual Progress Report for 2025-26 highlights the council's commitment to supporting vulnerable families.

The report on the Children & Young People's Services Plan 2023-26 detailed progress across four key networks: A Good Childhood, Whole Family Support, Planning and Building Capacity, and Supporting the Workforce. Initiatives included commissioning an Independent Children and Young People's Advocacy Service, strong foster carer recruitment, and the launch of a Family Support Directory.

Updates on Locality Plans for Burnfoot (Hawick), Bannerfield (Selkirk), and Langlee (Galashiels) were also on the agenda. These plans, developed under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, aim to address local inequalities by focusing on priorities such as reducing anti-social behaviour, increasing access to work and training, and improving community safety and wellbeing.

The board also received progress reports from Community Plan Delivery Groups and updates from partnerships such as the Children & Young People's Planning Partnership and the Community Justice Partnership. These discussions are vital for ensuring a coordinated and effective approach to improving the lives of residents across the Scottish Borders.

Read the Community Planning Strategic Board agenda

Selkirk Common Good Fund: Financial Review and Funding Applications

The Selkirk Common Good Fund Sub Committee met to review the fund's financial performance and consider funding applications. The Monitoring Report for the 12 months ending 31 March 2026 indicated a projected move from deficit to a small surplus by 2028/29, though this could be impacted by demolition works at Linglie Farm.

The committee considered an application for £2,000 from the Selkirk Silver Band towards their attendance at the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain 2026. The band, Scottish Champions in the 3rd section, highlighted the opportunity to represent Scotland and the benefits for young members.

A Tree Condition Survey for Sentry Knowe, Selkirk, was also discussed, with no immediate tree work recommended but a re-inspection advised within 3 to 5 years. Additionally, a request for land use at Victoria Park for a funfair was on the agenda.

The committee's work ensures the responsible management of the Common Good Fund, supporting local organisations and community assets.

View the Selkirk Common Good Fund Sub Committee meeting details

This week in Scottish Borders:

Innerleithen Memorial Hall's Future Hinges on Community Action and Council Support

The Innerleithen Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met this week, with a significant focus on the future of the Innerleithen Memorial Hall. The hall, a vital community asset, is currently managed by Live Borders, but a dedicated support group is working towards establishing a charity to take over its administration. This move aims to increase the hall's utilisation and financial sustainability, a crucial step for any community facility facing rising costs and maintenance needs.

The draft financial report for the year ending 31 March 2026 showed a depreciation charge of £61,051. While this is an accounting adjustment and not a cash transaction, it highlights the ongoing costs associated with maintaining such a building. The Memorial Hall Support Group reported significant progress, including the process of forming a charity. However, they noted difficulties in obtaining financial information from Live Borders, though this has improved with new liaison personnel.

Councillor Julie Pirone and Councillor Marshall Douglas expressed their support for the group's efforts and pledged to chase outstanding maintenance issues, including promised boiler replacements and scheduled paintwork. The group also raised concerns about a hedge on common good land adjacent to the mill laid, which is growing out of control and poses a risk of damaging a wall and potentially causing a flood risk. Councillor Douglas agreed to investigate this issue.

The situation at Innerleithen Memorial Hall underscores a common challenge for local government: how to ensure the long-term viability of community assets. While the council retains liability for insurance and maintenance, the operational management and income generation are key to success. The progress of the support group in forming a charity is a positive step, but continued collaboration with the council and Live Borders will be essential.

Read the full details of the Innerleithen Common Good Fund Sub-Committee meeting

Foster Care Service Under Scrutiny: Addressing Recruitment and Retention Challenges

The Scrutiny & Petitions Committee was scheduled to examine the Scottish Borders Foster Care Service, focusing on its recruitment and retention strategies, effectiveness, governance, and value for money. This is a critical area, as a shortage of foster carers can have a profound impact on vulnerable children, potentially leading to longer waits for suitable placements and increased reliance on more expensive out-of-authority care.

The report highlighted a national shortage of foster carers, with an estimated shortfall of around 400 across Scotland. While the Scottish Borders Council Fostering Service has seen a recent improvement in enquiries and new carer registrations, recruitment has declined since 2018. The committee was expected to review recruitment and retention activities, their associated costs, and the governance and quality assurance arrangements in place. The aim is to ensure that current approaches are effective and to identify areas for improvement.

The report detailed various recruitment strategies, including digital marketing, community engagement, and social media campaigns. It also provided financial information comparing the cost of local authority foster placements with independent fostering agencies and out-of-authority residential placements. This comparison is vital for understanding the financial implications of the foster care service and ensuring value for money. The committee's scrutiny of these arrangements is essential for guaranteeing that the council is providing the best possible support for children in care.

View the Scrutiny & Petitions Committee meeting details

Duns Common Good Fund Reviews Financial Performance and Future Budget

The Duns Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met to review the fund's financial performance for the past year and consider the proposed budget for the upcoming financial year. The fund reported a surplus of £6,298 for the year ending 31 March 2026, with a draft Income and Expenditure Account showing a surplus of £884. The draft Balance Sheet indicated an increase in reserves of £2,190.

The fund's investment portfolio, managed by Aegon, generated £916 in income, exceeding its target with an income return of 5.34%. However, the report noted volatility in investment markets due to geopolitical factors, resulting in a small unrealised loss of £12 on the investment value. This highlights the inherent risks in investment funds, even when managed professionally.

The sub-committee was asked to note the actual income and expenditure for 2025/26, the forecast income and expenditure for the next three financial years, and the draft budget for 2026/27. The report also detailed the property portfolio and the performance of the investment fund. These financial reviews are crucial for ensuring the responsible management of common good funds, which are intended to benefit the local community.

Read the Duns Common Good Fund Sub-Committee meeting details

CGI Contract Performance Shows Improvement, but Projects Face Delays

The External Services/Providers Monitoring Group met to review the performance of the CGI contract for the first quarter of 2026. A significant achievement highlighted was the successful turnaround of the change request process, which had been a failing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for several years. This improvement, achieved through revised processes and reporting, has cleared a backlog of over 40 aged requests. Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol expressed her delight, stating, I just want to say a huge thank you to hear the update today, to hear that there's no backlog? I'm thrilled to bits and I'm seriously impressed.

However, the meeting also revealed ongoing challenges with several IT projects. The Office 365 Close project remains RAG Red due to legacy delays, with an expected completion date of October 2026. Similarly, the Business World to Cloud project is also RAG Red, with an outstanding security risk being addressed. Councillor James Anderson raised concerns about transparency, requesting original project dates and a list of benefits for the Office 365 closure project to help explain the value of these investments to the public.

The group also discussed community benefits and recruitment initiatives. While CGI highlighted their local sponsorships and recruitment efforts, concerns were raised by Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol and Councillor James Anderson about the geographical spread of sponsorships, noting a predominance of activities in the Melrose area. CGI acknowledged this feedback and committed to widening their outreach.

The performance of the CGI contract is vital for the council's operational efficiency. While improvements in key areas are welcome, the persistent delays in IT projects highlight the need for continued monitoring and proactive management to ensure services are delivered effectively and within budget.

Read the External Services/Providers Monitoring Group meeting details

Jedburgh Tourism Alliance Funding Request Deferred Pending Further Information

The Jedburgh Common Good Fund Sub-Committee considered a request for £10,000 per annum from the Jedburgh Tourism Alliance (JTA) to support its promotional activities. The JTA outlined plans for website costs, social media management, photography, and town signage.

However, several councillors raised concerns about the ongoing nature of the request and the lack of clear evaluation metrics for the proposed spend. Councillor Sandy Scott questioned the effectiveness of previous funding, noting that several businesses had closed despite the JTA's efforts. Councillor John Bathgate suggested that other organisations, such as the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), should be involved in match-funding tourism initiatives. Councillor Catriona Ewen also highlighted the trend towards online promotion, suggesting the JTA might need to re-evaluate its spend allocation.

Ultimately, the committee agreed to defer a decision on the application. The Chair, Councillor Scott Hamilton, proposed deferring the item to allow the applicant to provide more information on how they would evaluate the impact of the funding, their proposed timeline for evaluation, and details on collaborative working with other organisations. This decision reflects the council's responsibility to ensure that public funds are used effectively and that their impact can be measured.

The committee did, however, approve the draft budget for the upcoming financial year and reviewed the fund's monitoring report, which indicated a healthy financial position with a cash balance of £142,339.

Read the Jedburgh Common Good Fund Sub-Committee meeting details

This week in Scottish Borders:

Council Faces Tough Choices on Live Borders Funding and Eyemouth School Future

The Scottish Borders Council met this week, tackling significant issues that will directly impact community facilities and education. A key decision involved a phased investment strategy for Live Borders facilities, aiming to secure their long-term financial sustainability. This comes as the council grapples with a substantial revenue funding gap.

Meanwhile, the future of Eyemouth Primary School remains a complex issue. Following community opposition to a previous campus proposal, the council is now exploring two options for a new school, but both exceed the current budget. This highlights the difficult decisions councils must make when balancing community desires with financial realities, particularly when significant investment is required.

Live Borders: A Phased Investment for Financial Stability

Councillors agreed to a phased investment strategy for Live Borders facilities, focusing initially on refurbishing Teviotdale Leisure Centre and making smaller improvements at Tweedbank Sports Complex & Bowling Hall. This £5.2 million investment aims to boost income and improve service quality. However, the phased delivery creates a £1.6 million revenue funding gap in the short term, which the council will address through financial planning for 2027/28.

The decision to focus on Teviotdale Leisure Centre and Tweedbank comes after detailed feasibility studies. While Teviotdale will see significant refurbishment, the plans for Tweedbank involve repurposing the bowling hall for gymnastics, inflatable soft play, and family activities. This means bowling will cease at Tweedbank, a decision met with regret but deemed necessary to maximise the return from the council's estate and address the significant operating deficit.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of the Council, emphasised the need to modernise what we're delivering and give more people more opportunity to do different things. He stressed that communities must remain at the heart of these changes. Councillor Drummond Begg, while supporting the paper, acknowledged the understandable concern from the bowling community, stating, we now need meaningful engagement with the existing bowlers around how any transition would work in practice.

The potential financial implications of not approving this investment are stark: the revenue funding gap could increase to £3.4 million by 2031/32.

Read the full update on Live Borders progress

Eyemouth Primary School: Two Options, Both Over Budget

The future of Eyemouth Primary School was a major talking point, with councillors agreeing to further develop two options for a new school: a campus proposal and a standalone new build. Both options, however, significantly exceed the allocated £14.7 million budget. The campus proposal is estimated at £15.7 million, while a standalone new build is projected to cost between £23-£25 million.

This situation highlights the challenge of funding major capital projects. Councillor Julie Pirone, who put forward an amendment, stressed the need for financially sound and costed properly decisions, urging for full costings rather than estimates. She also plans to seek funding discussions with the Scottish Government. The council's commitment to building new schools, such as those in Kelso, Jedburgh, Peebles, and Gala, was acknowledged, but the current financial constraints mean difficult prioritisation is necessary.

The community's strong preference for a standalone primary school was evident throughout the discussions. Councillor James Anderson, seconding the amendment, stated that if the standalone school had been delivered 12 years ago, it would have been very affordable. He expressed concern that the current approach might lead to further delays and disappointment for the Eyemouth community.

The council has agreed to progress both options in tandem through the next stage of design and cost planning, deferring a final decision until Autumn 2026. This approach aims to keep the project moving while the council undertakes a wider capital planning exercise to determine affordability and priorities.

See the Eyemouth Primary School project update

Roads Maintenance: Acknowledging the Challenge, Seeking Solutions

The state of the region's roads was a significant topic at the Scottish Borders Council meeting. The current Road Condition Index (RCI) stands at 42.7%, placing the Scottish Borders in the bottom quartile nationally. This decline is attributed to rising costs and reduced preventative maintenance, despite investments in equipment like the JCB Pothole Pro.

Councillors heard that there is a £135 million backlog in repairs against an approximate £7 million budget. Councillor Drummond Begg highlighted this as a simple resourcing issue and chronic underinvestment. The council is endorsing a new Roads Asset Management Plan (RAMP2) to guide future management, but the scale of the problem is immense.

Despite the challenges, improvements in insurance repudiation rates for claims related to road defects were noted, attributed to tactical investments and the use of digital systems. However, the reality for residents is that road maintenance remains a significant concern, with many councillors reporting constituent complaints about potholes and poor road surfaces.

Read the report on Roads Asset Management

Other Matters

• Parking Policy Review: The council considered a review of its off-street parking arrangements, proposing a standard £1 per hour tariff and standardised charging times. Surplus income will be ringfenced for road improvements and public transport. Details of the Parking Policy Review
• Motion on Israel and Gaza: A motion was passed urging the Chief Executive to write to the UK Government requesting sanctions on Israel until humanitarian aid is allowed into Gaza. See the motion details
• Support for Neurodivergent Learners: The council agreed to a report and action plan focused on supporting neuro-affirming classrooms and inclusive practice. Information on supporting neurodivergent learners
• Freedom of the Borders: A motion was agreed to prepare a draft policy for conferring the honorary title of Freeman/Freewoman of the Scottish Border Area. Details on the Freedom of the Borders proposal

This week in Scottish Borders:

Planning Committee Grapples with Yair Forest Access Road and Eyemouth Community Hub Proposals

The Planning and Building Standards Committee met to consider a range of planning applications, including a controversial access road at Yair Forest Car Park and a change of use for a former storage facility in Eyemouth. These decisions highlight the council's role in balancing development needs with environmental and community concerns.

Yair Forest Car Park: Access Road Sparks Environmental and Community Concerns

A proposal for an access road, yard, and parking area at Yair Forest Car Park, near Galashiels, aimed to serve new facilities for Forestry and Land Scotland. The development, intended for a deer larder, staff welfare base, and storage shed, was designed with amended layouts to minimise visual impact. However, concerns were raised by Clovenfords and District Community Council and Walkerburn and District Community Council regarding the scale of the development, its potential to set a precedent for further industrial activity, and its impact on the Yair Forest Special Landscape Area.

The Roads Planning Service initially sought more information on traffic generation but was satisfied that the impact on the public road network would be manageable, provided improvements were made to the access track and its junction with the public road. Crucially, the Ecology Officer recommended conditions for a Species Protection Plan for bats and a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) to safeguard the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This demonstrates how planning decisions directly impact local biodiversity and protected habitats.

Read the full details of the Yair Forest Car Park application

Isaac House, Eyemouth: Former Storage Facility Eyed for Worship and Community Use

In Eyemouth, a proposal to change the use of Isaac House from a storage facility to a place of worship with a community hub, including a first-floor extension and alterations, was also on the agenda. This application has drawn objections from local residents concerned about noise and disruption during construction and operation, traffic impact, parking, and the effect on the character of the Eyemouth Conservation Area.

The Council's Environmental Health Service has recommended conditions for a Noise Management Plan and restrictions on amplified music or speech, unless a Noise Impact Assessment demonstrates no adverse amenity impacts. The Roads Planning Service raised no objection, subject to a Construction Traffic Management Plan, noting that the maximum occupancy would be 120 persons. The Berwickshire Civic Society also voiced concerns, advocating for timber windows over plastic and a more muted render finish to better align with the conservation area's character. This highlights how planning decisions can affect the visual amenity and heritage of our towns.

View the details of the Eyemouth Isaac House application

Appeals and Reviews: A Look at Ongoing Planning Disputes

The committee was also scheduled to review a briefing note detailing appeals and reviews. This included information on appeals received and determined, as well as outstanding cases. The note listed appeals for an agricultural storage building in Grantshouse and a dwellinghouse in Hawick. Several reviews had been determined, relating to sites in West Linton, Bonchester Bridge, Gordon, Kelso, Coldingham, and Jedburgh. Outstanding reviews were noted for sites in Peebles, Greenlaw, and Carfraemill. These appeals and reviews demonstrate the ongoing process of challenging and upholding planning decisions, impacting development across the region.

Read the briefing note on appeals and reviews

Local Licensing Forum Meets Amidst Ongoing Licensing Discussions

The Local Licensing Forum convened to discuss matters related to licensing across the Scottish Borders. While the specific details of their discussions are not yet publicly available, these forums play a crucial role in advising the council on licensing policy and practice. This includes issues related to alcohol, entertainment, and other regulated activities, which directly impact businesses and community safety.

Learn more about the Local Licensing Forum meeting

Working Group Reviews Non-Financial Support for Community Councils

A Review of Non-Financial Support to Community Councils Working Group met to discuss how the council supports its local community councils. This group is tasked with examining the non-financial aspects of this support, ensuring that community councils have the resources and guidance they need to effectively serve their local areas. Community councils are vital for local democracy, providing a voice for residents on a range of issues.

Find out more about the Review of Non-Financial Support to Community Councils Working Group