The Lauder Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to review the fund's financial performance and discuss the development of a woodland management plan. The committee approved the draft budget for 2026-27, noting a projected deficit, and received an update on the ongoing woodland management plan, which included recommendations for tree maintenance and future felling.

Draft Monitoring Report and Budget for 2026-27

The committee reviewed the draft monitoring report for the 12 months to 31 March 2026 and the proposed budget for the year to 31 March 2027. Catriona Ewen, Statutory Reporting and Treasury Business Partner, presented the financial details, highlighting that the fund had a deficit balance of £74,225 at 31 March 2026. This was a better position than the previously forecast deficit of £148,799, largely due to delays in works at the Shepherd's Cottage.

The forecast for the coming years shows a deficit balance of £137,229 at the end of 2026/27, reducing to £94,573 by the end of 2028/29, assuming no additional spend and unchanged grant budgets. Rental income remained in line with expectations at £11,091 for 2025/26. Property expenditure for the same period was £34,466, with significant capital costs for Shepherd's Cottage moved to the 2026/27 financial year. The Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund showed a value of £251,151 at 31 March 2026, with investment income of £13,372, representing a 5.32% return, outperforming the target of 5%.

Councillor John PatonDay raised a question regarding the £50,000 contribution from Scottish Borders Council towards the Shepherd's Cottage project, seeking clarification on whether this had been accounted for in the budget. Ms. Ewen stated she would need to refer this to the estate team for more information.

The committee agreed to approve the proposed budget for 2026/27 and noted the forecast deficit in future years, agreeing to review the financial position during 2026/27.

Woodland Management Plan Update

Steven Adelaide, a woodland consultant, provided an update on the development of management plans for the common good woodland areas. He presented his initial findings and sought feedback from the committee. Mr. Adelaide noted that much of the work proposed was not urgent, with the exception of maintaining existing felling and restocking efforts.

Key issues identified included the need for tree shelter maintenance and protection against damage from hares and rabbits, particularly in compartment one, where pine plantings had been significantly affected. He recommended fencing improvements and clearing rabbits and hares before replanting. Compartment two, however, showed better establishment of Scots pine seedlings.

Mr. Adelaide also discussed Burn Mill Hawk, a well-used public woodland, suggesting minor works such as clearing elder on a steep bank and planting native broadleaves to improve tree diversity. He noted that this was not urgent but could be funded by a grant. For Lauder Hill Woods, he recommended considering felling Sitka spruce in three to five years, as it would be profitable and cover restocking costs. A narrow strip of woodland near the cemetery, containing spruce and some broadleaves, was also identified for felling in three to five years, with replanting using broadleaves. He also suggested felling groups of poplar in compartments 10 and 11 within the same timeframe, due to their maturity and potential health and safety hazards, recommending replanting with mixed native broadleaves, with consideration for bat habitats.

Younger plantations, such as the Millennium Wood (compartment six) and compartment 7B, were discussed. Compartment 7B, a Scots pine plantation, was recommended for thinning to improve stability, though the cost of timber extraction due to its distance from the road was a consideration. The Millennium Wood was not yet ready for thinning but would be in approximately three years. Mature beech and other species in compartment 7/78 were noted, with a recommendation to improve the stock-proof fence and consider underplanting to ensure continuous cover as mature trees die off.

Josephine Stewart, Estates Strategy Manager, confirmed that instructions had been given for rabbit-proof fencing and that discussions would take place with Tweed Forum regarding areas managed by them to develop an overarching forestry strategy. She also requested an indication of potential costs for proposed works to aid prioritisation.

Mr Alastair Smith, a member of the Lauderdale Park and Path Group, enquired about the possibility of removing elder from Burn Mill Hawk, suggesting his group could undertake the work with no cost to the common good fund, provided they had permission. Mr. Adelaide identified specific areas on a map where elder could be cleared, noting one area near a gas pipeline might require further consideration. He suggested using a grant from the Borders Tree Planting Grant for materials.

Councillor Jenny Linehan questioned why the original fencing was not rabbit-proof, expressing concern about the initial lack of foresight. Ms. Stewart acknowledged the point, stating it was not clear if rabbit-proofing was initially included but agreed it would be prudent for the future.

The committee agreed to approve the update, with Ms. Stewart to return with a prioritised plan.