The Scottish Borders Council met on Thursday, 21 May 2026, to discuss a range of significant issues including the future of Live Borders facilities, road maintenance, and the proposed changes to parking policies. Key decisions included the approval of a phased investment plan for Teviotdale Leisure Centre and Tweedbank Sports Centre, the adoption of an updated Roads Asset Management Plan, and the introduction of new parking charges and permit regulations across the region.

Live Borders Progress Update

The Council received an update on the progress made by Live Borders since November 2025 in stabilising its financial and operational position. Significant progress has been noted in strengthening leadership, governance, and partnership working. A phased approach to capital investment was agreed, focusing initially on the redevelopment of Teviotdale Leisure Centre (TLC) and an interim investment at Tweedbank Sports Complex & Bowling Hall (TSC&BH). This phased approach aims to maximise financial sustainability and service quality within the £5.2 million capital budget. The plan involves re-profiling the budget across several years to accommodate the phased delivery.

Key decisions made include:

• Noting the significant progress made in stabilising Live Borders' financial and operational position.
• Agreeing to focus initial investment on Teviotdale Leisure Centre and Tweedbank Sports Complex & Bowling Hall.
• Agreeing to consider future investment requirements as part of the 2027/28 financial planning process.
• Agreeing joint work between Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and Live Borders to identify options to address a £1.6 million revenue gap.

The investment in TLC is estimated at £4.2 million, with projected additional income of £742,000 per year by 2030/31. The TSC&BH 'light' option is estimated at £0.5 million, projected to move the facility from a deficit to a surplus of £150,000 per year by 2031/32. The report highlighted that if these capital proposals are not approved, the revenue funding gap is projected to increase to £3.4 million.

Roads and Infrastructure Service – Roads Asset Management, Risk Management, Performance and Digital Improvement

The Council reviewed the performance of its Roads and Infrastructure Service, focusing on asset management, risk management, performance, and digital improvement. The current Road Condition Index (RCI) for the Scottish Borders is 42.7%, placing it in the bottom quartile nationally. Despite investment decisions, the RCI has seen a decline, exacerbated by rising costs and reduced preventative maintenance. The report highlighted the significant investment made in the road network, including the purchase of a JCB Pothole Pro and an increase in jet patching fleet.

Key decisions made include:

• Endorsing the content of the report.
• Agreeing to adopt the Roads Asset Management Plan 2 (RAMP2) as the key strategy for managing roads and related infrastructure assets.
• Agreeing to receive an updated Annual Status and Options Report (ASOR) annually as part of the budget setting process.
• Accepting the six risk improvement actions and endorsing the associated activity undertaken by the service.
• Noting the progress made and supporting the continuing use of CONFIRM as the digital platform for managing roads infrastructure assets.
• Considering the service performance information provided.

The report detailed the challenges faced, including a £135 million backlog of repairs against a budget of approximately £7 million, and the impact of weather events. The adoption of RAMP2 and the CONFIRM system were highlighted as crucial steps towards a more proactive and data-driven approach to road maintenance.

Parking Policy Review

The Council discussed proposed changes to its off-street parking policy, aiming to create a clearer, more consistent, and fairer system across the region. The review, supported by AECOM, identified inconsistencies in charging, long-stay parking issues, and low income and compliance rates compared to other local authorities.

Key decisions made include:

• Approving a standard hourly parking tariff of £1 per hour for 14 car parks where charges already apply.
• Standardising charging days and hours across all charged off-street car parks to Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
• Agreeing in principle to extend pay and display charging to 19 additional off-street car parks on a phased basis.
• Moving to a single, consistent, digitally administered permit system with an annual charge of £150.
• Tightening permit rules to make each permit valid for one named car park and limiting the number of permits issued per car park.
• Increasing the off-street Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fee to £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days).
• Reviewing existing charity and NHS parking permits.
• Confirming that any surplus income from off-street parking will be managed and spent only for statutory purposes, supporting the Council's investment programme in roads and related assets.
• Concluding the Member/Officer Working Group for this phase of the review.

The changes aim to improve space availability, support local economies, and generate additional income for reinvestment in roads and transport priorities. A public communications campaign will be undertaken before implementation.

Eyemouth Primary School - Project Update

The Council received an update on the Eyemouth Primary School project, following the withdrawal of a previous campus proposal due to community opposition. Since December 2025, an extensive engagement process involving focus groups with pupils, parents, staff, and community members has been conducted. This engagement confirmed the need for a new school building but highlighted significant concerns about placing primary pupils within the High School environment.

As a result, two options are being progressed in tandem:

• The initial campus proposal: Relocating primary provision to the High School site, with a separate Early Years and Family Centre on the existing primary site. This option is estimated to cost £15.7 million, exceeding the current budget by £1 million.
• An alternative new build proposal: A standalone primary school with early years and family centre provision on or aligned to the existing primary school site. This option is estimated to cost between £23.085 million and £25.515 million, significantly exceeding the budget.

The Council agreed to progress both options through further design development, cost planning, and stakeholder engagement. A further report will be presented in Autumn 2026 to inform a final decision on delivery and funding.

Other Matters

The Council also noted updates on the Renewable Energy Developments Map, which has been enhanced to include a broader range of technologies and improved representation of proposals. A Member Sounding Board was convened regarding the Ditcher Law Wind Farm consent decision, and the Council noted that a Judicial Review has been initiated. A Pilot project for chemical-free weed management in urban areas was approved for the 2026 growing season, with findings to be reported back. Motions were also passed regarding the River Tweed's wellbeing and the development of neuro-affirming learning environments. The Council also agreed to review its dog fouling and littering policies and to explore the viability of council-delivered out-of-school care. Finally, the Council agreed to establish a policy framework for conferring the Freedom of the Scottish Borders.