The William Hill Trust Sub-Committee met on Tuesday 16 June 2026 to review the Trust's financial performance and budget, and to consider an application for financial assistance. The committee approved the monitoring report and draft budget for the upcoming financial year, noting a positive trend in investment returns and a projected increase in cash balances. However, a decision on a £15,000 grant application from the Trimontium Trust was postponed pending further investigation into the eligibility of the proposed project location.

Monitoring Report and Draft Budget Approved

The Sub-Committee reviewed the monitoring report for the 12 months ending 31 March 2026 and the draft budget for 2026-27. The report, presented by Suzy Douglas, Director of Finance, detailed the income and expenditure for the William Hill Trust Fund.

Key financial points discussed included:

• Cash Balance: The cash balance at 31 March 2026 was £80,267, which was below the previously forecast surplus. This was attributed to additional grants being approved, resulting in a £13,000 overspend for the year.
• Future Forecasts: The draft budget and forecast for future years were positive, with anticipated cash balances rising to £95,000 by 31 March 2027 and £124,000 by the end of year three.
• Grant Budget: A grant budget of £11,830 per annum was proposed, with the understanding that any increase would reduce cash reserves.
• Power Up Project: No expenditure was incurred in 2025-26 on the Power Up project in Melrose, which had previously been approved but did not proceed. Any future financial contributions would need to be considered against available reserves.
• Investments: The value of the Trust's investments stood at £212,000 as of 31 March 2026, an increase of £16,000 from the previous year. This represented an unrealised gain, the first in five years, and a return on investment of 5.34%, exceeding the target of 5%.

The Sub-Committee agreed to approve the monitoring report and the draft budget for 2026-27.

Trimontium Trust Application Postponed

An application for £15,000 in financial assistance from the Trimontium Trust was considered. The Trust, represented by Kay Callander, Secretary, sought funding to support the Rediscovering Trimontium project.

The project aims to build a cabin on land leased at the Trimontium Fort site in Newstead. This cabin would serve as a reception area for visitors, a muster point for guided walks, storage for learning materials, and an educational base for the construction of a replica Iron Age roundhouse. The Trust highlighted that the museum in Melrose focuses on Roman occupation, and this project would help represent the local Iron Age people, offering a more diverse programme of events for schools and the public.

During the discussion, councillors expressed strong support for the Trimontium Trust's work and the project's potential to enhance visitor experience and bring economic benefits to the area. Councillor Jenny Linehan noted the importance of physical structures for engagement, while Councillor John PatonDay praised the Trust's achievements and the potential for increased tourism in the Newstead area.

However, a key concern was raised regarding the geographical eligibility of the project for funding from the William Hill Trust. Councillor David Parker, Chair of the Sub-Committee, questioned whether the proposed site in Newstead fell within the geographical remit of the William Hill Trust, which he suspected was limited to Melrose.

To address this, the Sub-Committee decided to postpone a decision on the application pending clarification from the Trust's legal team regarding the eligibility of spending funds in Newstead. Kay Callander confirmed that the application was not for the full £17,194 estimated cost of the cabin, with the Trimontium Trust contributing £2,194 and other funding streams being pursued. The Trust also confirmed that the 25-year lease from the Rooney family for the land at the fort site contained no restrictions on building.