The Selkirk Common Good Fund Sub Committee met on Thursday 04 June 2026 to discuss the financial performance of the fund, approve a grant for the Selkirk Silver Band, and address concerns regarding a tree at Rosebank Drive. The committee noted the financial monitoring report and approved the draft budget for the upcoming year, while also agreeing to a £2,000 grant for the Selkirk Silver Band to assist with their attendance at the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain. A decision on the tree at Rosebank Drive was deferred pending further clarification on its location.

Financial Monitoring Report and Draft Budget

Catriona Ewen, Statutory Reporting & Treasury Business Partner, presented the monitoring report for the 12 months ending 31 March 2026 and the draft budget for 2026/27. The report detailed the income and expenditure for the Selkirk Common Good Fund, showing a cash balance deficit of £63,268 at the end of March 2026, which was better than the forecasted deficit of £80,263. This improvement was attributed to one-off grants received for works at Buxton Bridge and a temporary occupancy at Selkirk Common Farm.

The draft budget for 2026/27 anticipates a deficit of approximately £67,000, which is projected to reduce in subsequent years, moving into a surplus by 2028/29. However, these forecasts do not yet include the significant demolition works required at Lingley Farm. Councillor Leagh Douglas expressed encouragement at the year-end position but highlighted the importance of the caveat regarding the Lingley Farm costs. The committee agreed to request officers to bring forward a medium to long-term forecast that includes these costs once they are fully assessed.

The report also noted that the value of the investment portfolio was £258,899, with an unrealised loss of £648, a significant improvement from the previous year. The investment income received was £13,833, representing a 5.34% return, exceeding the target of 5%. The committee noted the report and agreed to the draft budget for 2026/27, as well as requesting the updated medium to long-term forecast.

Grant Application: Selkirk Silver Band

The committee considered an application for £2,000 from the Selkirk Silver Band towards the cost of attending the National Brass Band Championship of Great Britain 2026 in York. The band, which had recently been crowned Scottish Champions in the 3rd section, required the funding to cover costs such as accommodation, transport, and entry fees, estimated at £9,000.

Councillor Thornton-Nicol spoke in strong support of the application, highlighting the band's significant contribution to Selkirk's community life, including their involvement in the Common Riding and remembrance services. Councillor Douglas echoed these sentiments, praising the band as a well-run organisation and emphasizing their role in developing the next generation of musicians. Mr I King also endorsed the application, noting the band's role as a good community ambassador. He did, however, take the opportunity to reiterate that Scottish Borders Council acts as a manager or trustee of the Common Good Funds, not the owner. The committee unanimously agreed to grant the £2,000 to the Selkirk Silver Band.

Tree at Rosebank Drive, Selkirk

A report on the condition of trees at Sentry Knowe, Rosebank Drive, Selkirk, was presented by Steven Headley, an Arboricultural Consultant from TD Tree & Land Services. The report indicated that the trees, described as a group of three early-mature stems and two younger trees, were not posing an immediate risk and did not have statutory protection.

Councillor Thornton-Nicol expressed a personal preference for protecting trees and suggested leaving the tree as is and placing it on a five-year inspection plan. However, Councillor Douglas argued for a more pragmatic approach, noting that the neighbours were happy to pay for the removal of the tree due to their concerns. A significant issue arose when it was realised that the survey might have been conducted on the wrong trees, with Councillor Douglas questioning if the report's diagrams accurately reflected the trees causing concern. Due to this uncertainty, the committee agreed to defer any decision on the tree until the location could be double-checked. Mr I King also added his voice, advocating for the retention of specimen trees in urban areas where possible, while acknowledging the need for balance with safety and sensibility.

Land Use Request: Victoria Park

The committee approved a routine annual land use request for T. Hiscoe & Sons funfair to operate at Victoria Park, Selkirk, from 8 to 15 June 2026. This was considered a standard and uncontroversial item.