The Scottish Borders Council meeting on Thursday 25 June 2026 addressed a range of important local issues, including the adoption of the Development Plan Scheme 2026 and the refreshed Climate Change Plan for 2026-30. Key decisions were also made regarding the future of Eddleston Primary School and the review of the Council's parking policy.

Convener's Remarks

Councillor Watson McAteer, Convener of Scottish Borders Council, began the meeting by congratulating recipients of well-deserved awards in the King's official birthday honours, including Douglas Derek Ormiston (BEM) for his services to youth work in Scotland and Karen Jane Harleton (OBE) for her contributions to health and the community. Hoyke High School was also congratulated for achieving a Sports Scotland Gold School Sports Award for 2026-28, a remarkable feat achieved in the same year as their silver award. The Convener paid tribute to the success of the Borders Book Festival, also known as the Melrose Book Festival, which saw record pre-booking numbers and over 100 events. Alistair Moffat was thanked for his foresight and dedication as festival director as he stepped down, with Paula Ogilvie congratulated on taking the reins as festival director. Scottish Borders Council was recognised at the Scottish Transport Awards 2026 as the Transport Local Authority of the Year and highly commended for best practice in transport planning, specifically for its full bus network review. The Convener also shared sad news of the deaths of Tracey Alder, chair of the Focus Centre in Galashiels, and Jennifer Epsom, a long-standing Cloven Ford's Community Councillor. Finally, the Convener offered best wishes to all involved in the annual Common Ridings and Festival season, acknowledging the pleasure and economic benefit these events bring to the Borders communities.

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from Councillors Cox, Carol Hamilton, and Marshall.

Order of Business

The order of business was confirmed as per the agenda, with one amendment intimated per procedure.

Declarations of Interest

Councillor Watson McAteer declared an interest in item seven, relating to the Hawick Common Good Fund Council application, and handed the Chair to Vice Chairman Councillor John Greenwell. Councillor Mark Rowley made a transparency statement relating to paper 13, Economic Development Priorities, as he is employed by South of Scotland Enterprise. Councillors Ramage and Smart also declared an interest for agenda item seven.

Minute of the Council Meeting held on 21 May 2026

The minute of the previous Council meeting held on 21 May 2026 was agreed and approved.

Committee Minutes

The committee minutes from A to H were agreed and approved.

Committee Minute Recommendation - Hawick Common Good Fund Sub Committee

The Hawick Common Good Fund Sub Committee recommended approving a grant application for £3,000 for the Hawick Honorary Provost Council to fund civic events and duties. The funding is used to support voluntary activity, including common ridings, remembrance events, and other recognition services. The Council approved the recommendation.

Action Tracker

Declan Hall provided an update on the Scottish Borders Council Action Tracker, noting that all actions were currently green (on track). Amber and red actions indicated where additional action or significant focus was needed. Two actions were proposed for closure: the review of Fountainhall Primary School, which will remain open as the report is due back before October, and a motion approved by Councillor Julie Pirone in May 2025 establishing a working group to develop the early years sustainability policy, which has now been approved. Councillor Viv Thomson asked if a copy of letters sent out could be provided, which was agreed.

Local Development Plan: Development Plan Scheme 2026

Mrs McKinley, supported by Mrs Ruthven, presented the Development Plan Scheme for 2026. This statutory document outlines the Council's programme for preparing and reviewing the Local Development Plan and details how and when communities and stakeholders will be engaged. The scheme reflects changes introduced through the Planning Scotland Act 2019, with a more front-loaded, evidence-led approach focused on early and meaningful engagement. The introduction of Local Place Plans gives communities a formal opportunity to influence the Local Development Plan, with 16 registered to date. The report stated there were no substantive changes to this development plan scheme compared to the version approved last year, with updates reflecting current progress and ongoing engagement. The Council approved the Development Plan Scheme 2026 and delegated authority to the Chief Planning and Housing Officer to make any necessary minor amendments prior to publication.

Scottish Borders Council Climate Change Plan 2026-30

Mrs McKinley, supported by Miss Hawkes-Louise, presented the refreshed Climate Change Plan for Scottish Borders Council. The plan is a practical framework for action over the next four years, built around three key pillars: mitigation, adaptation, and acting sustainably. The biggest emissions sources are identified as buildings and transport, with priorities including estate decarbonisation, estate rationalisation, fleet electrification, and active travel investment. The plan also recognises the need to strengthen resilience to flooding, coastal change, extreme weather, and biodiversity loss. Progress will be monitored through regular performance monitoring, annual climate reporting, and internal audit processes. The Council approved the plan and the associated reporting and monitoring framework. Councillor Neil Mackinnon raised concerns about the virtual plateau in council emissions over the last four years and sought clarification on carbon budget targets and baseline emission figures. Officers explained that while emission reductions are desired, current recordings include a larger bundle of emissions than previously. They also confirmed that baseline emission figures from 1990 are available and that the council has to make a contribution to meet national targets, with details of how to meet these levels still being developed.

Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) Year 2 Progress Report

The report detailed progress in the second year of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) 2024-2028. Good progress has been made, with ongoing delivery of EES:ABS and the development of heat network potential opportunities. The Council co-funded a regional Heat Network prospectus with South of Scotland Enterprise and Dumfries and Galloway Council, which was successful in securing £150,000 in funding. The LHEES Delivery Plan is aligned with the EES:ABS programme, supporting retrofit energy efficiency measures and renewable technologies. The Council was awarded £1.824 million through the Energy Efficient Scotland: Area Based Scheme for 2025/26, with additional funding of £379,000 secured. The Council noted the progress made and agreed to continue developing region-wide retrofit approaches and pilots for domestic buildings.

Parking Policy Review

The report proposed a standardised approach to off-street parking across the Scottish Borders, including charges, days, and hours of operation. Key recommendations included approving a standard hourly parking tariff of £1, standardising charging days and hours to Monday to Saturday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (with an exception for Edinburgh Road, Peebles), introducing a single, digitally administered permit system with a £100 annual charge, reviewing charity and NHS parking permits, and increasing the Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) fee to £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days). The report also proposed reviewing existing surplus income sharing and lease arrangements for specific car parks by October 2027. The Council agreed to ratify the decision of the Executive Committee of 14 April 2026 and that no further action be taken on the recommendations of the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee of 19 March 2026 with regards to pay parking surpluses. The Council agreed to the proposed package of changes to modernise off-street parking.

Regional Economic Partnerships - A Borders Economic Priorities Framework

The report presented A Borders Economic Priorities Framework, outlining a focused approach to the Council's economic development activity. It identified the Borders' economic strengths and constraints, priority growth portfolios (Energy and retrofit; Visitor economy and culture; Agriculture and land use; and Good jobs foundations), and enabling investments. The Council agreed to note the economic potential of the Scottish Borders, agree the priority growth portfolios, agree the associated investment propositions, and agree that officers should use these to guide engagement at regional and national level.

Jedburgh - Laidlaw Memorial Pool

The report recommended approving, in principle, a request for revenue support of up to £135,000 to assist with the sustainable reopening of Jedburgh swimming pool, subject to the approval of the Borderlands Full Business Case and capital funding. A long-term lease with Jed Valley Swim SCIO at an annual charge of £260 was also agreed. The Council agreed to the recommendations, including noting the progress made and agreeing to consider future investment requirements as part of the 2027/28 financial planning process.

Customer Experiences Strategy

The report set out the Scottish Borders Council Customer Experience Strategy 2026–2029, aiming to place customers at the heart of service delivery. It highlighted current customer contact trends, the evolving needs of customers, and the Council's approach to improving customer experience through service design, digital transformation, and organisational change. The Council approved the Customer Experience Strategy 2026–2029 and the overarching vision and objectives, agreed the three strategic outcomes as the framework for delivering improved customer experience, and supported the continued development of a multi-channel, digital-first approach.

Scottish Borders Child Poverty Report 2025/26

The report presented the Scottish Borders Local Child Poverty Annual Progress Report for 2025/26 for endorsement before submission to Scottish Government. The report highlighted that child poverty in the Scottish Borders stands at 15.0%, the lowest level in over a decade, though still slightly higher than the Scottish average. Key actions include the Child Poverty Accelerator Fund, Whole Family Support, and vocational pathways at Hawick High School. The Council agreed to endorse the report and proposed follow-up priorities for 2026/27, agreed to receive an annual highlight report on progress, agreed to streamline reporting structures by consolidating the annual child poverty reporting within the Children Service Plan, and agreed to adopt key performance measures to monitor progress.

Statutory Consultation Report - Closure of Eddleston Primary School Proposal and Rezone of Catchment

This report summarised the findings of the Statutory Consultation for the permanent closure of Eddleston Primary School and the rezoning of its catchment area. The consultation indicated a majority in favour of closure, with preferences for rezoning split between Newlands Primary and Kingsland Primary. The report recommended permanent closure of Eddleston Primary School and rezoning of the catchment area to Kingsland Primary School in Peebles. The Council approved the Consultation Report, approved the proposal to permanently close Eddleston Primary School and rezone the catchment area to Kingsland Primary School, and authorised the notification of this decision to Scottish Ministers. An indicative implementation date of Tuesday 22nd December 2026 was agreed, subject to ministerial approval.

Review of Glendinning Terrace ELC (Temporary Emergency Closure) Review Report 2026

The report recommended continuing the emergency closure of Glendinning ELC for up to one further year to allow community collaboration on its future before a further report is brought back to elected members. The Council agreed to note the progress made and agreed that a report on the collaborative review be brought back to Council.

Transformation Annual Report

The report provided an update on the delivery of Scottish Borders Council's Transformation Programme during 2025/26 and outlined priority areas for 2026/27. It highlighted progress on flagship projects and how this work is modernising services and improving outcomes. The Council noted the progress made, the update on flagship projects, the priorities for 2026/27 and agreed that progress continues to be reported through the Council's performance and governance arrangements.

Equality Mainstreaming Report and Equality Outcomes

The report sought approval of the draft Equality Mainstreaming Report 2026-2030, including refreshed Equality Outcomes. The Council approved the draft Equality Mainstreaming Report and Equality Outcomes as set out in Appendix 1.

Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26

The report presented the Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26, detailing the Committee's performance and impact. The Council acknowledged the performance of the Audit Committee, acknowledged the assurance provided to the Council, and noted the improvement actions identified by the members.

Motion by Councillor Greenwell - Armed Forces Families

Councillor Greenwell moved a motion welcoming and applauding the significant contribution made by Armed Forces families within the Scottish Borders. The motion agreed to endorse and adopt the Forces Children's Rights Charter, support continued awareness of the needs of Armed Forces children and young people, communicate the Council's support for the Charter, and facilitate engagement with Children's Services Planning on the Charter.

Motion by Councillor Robson - Rotary International and ShelterBox

Councillor Robson moved a motion recognising the work of Rotary International in raising funds for ShelterBox. The motion noted the charity's work and recognised that donating to Rotary Borderlands' appeal is a practical way of helping people in desperate need.

Motion by Councillor Anderson - HM Coastguard Rescue Officers

Councillor Anderson moved a motion recognising the vital role of HM Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) and expressing concern regarding the potential impact of the removal of call-out payments. The motion agreed to formally recognise and thank all serving and former Coastguard Rescue Officers, express concern regarding the potential impact of the removal of call-out payments, and for the Council Leader to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and local MPs and MSPs outlining the Council's support for Coastguard Rescue Officers.

Open Questions

Questions submitted by Councillors Thomson and Smart were answered.

Draft Agenda

The draft agenda for the meeting to be held on 20 August 2026 was noted. Reports in respect of the Tennis Centre and EV Procurement would be deferred until later in the year.

Any Other Items Previously Circulated / Any Other Items Which the Convener Decides Are Urgent

There were no other items previously circulated or deemed urgent by the Convener.

Private Business

The Council agreed to exclude the public from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Minute (Private Business)

The private sections of the Minute of the meeting held on 26 March 2026 were approved.

Committee Minutes (Private Business)

The private sections of the Committee Minutes detailed in paragraph four of the main agenda were approved.

Levelling Up Fund - Chambers Institution

A report by the Director of Resilient Communities on the Levelling Up Fund - Chambers Institution was considered.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned from 12:30 pm to 2:15 pm. Councillor Marshall left the meeting during the adjournment.

Decision Review - Scrutiny and Petitions Committee

The Council ratified the decision of the Executive Committee of 14 April 2026 and agreed that no further action be taken on the recommendations of the Scrutiny and Petitions Committee of 19 March 2026 with regards to pay parking surpluses.

Renewable Energy Developments Map Update

The Council noted the recent updates and improvements to the Council's Renewable Energy Developments Map and agreed that the Council would continue to update the map in line with representations received, where appropriate.

Update to Council - Member Sounding Board (Ditcher Law)

The Council noted the update on the Member Sounding Board convened in relation to the Ditcher Law Wind Farm consent decision, and that a decision had been taken under delegated authority to proceed with initiating Judicial Review proceedings.

Weed Management

The Council agreed that the proposed Pilot be carried out during the 2026 growing season and that a further Evaluation report be presented to Council to detail conclusive findings which would inform future Operations.

Motion by Councillor Thomson

Councillor Thomson moved a motion concerning Israel's refusal to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Councillor Parker moved an amendment expressing concern at the humanitarian impact of ongoing conflicts and the suffering experienced by civilians. The amendment was carried by 16 votes to 8. The Council decided to approve the motion, as amended.

Motion by Councillor PatonDay

Councillor PatonDay moved a motion concerning the display of Dog/Cat boarding kennel licence numbers on advertising. Councillor Weatherston moved an amendment asking officers to consider the display of licence numbers across relevant licensed animal boarding and pet care establishments. Councillor PatonDay agreed to accept the amendment. The Council agreed to approve the motion, as amended.

Open Questions

The questions submitted by Councillors Thomson and Smart were answered. The replies were noted as detailed in Appendix 1 to the Minute.

Draft Agenda

The draft agenda for the meeting to be held on 25 June 2026 was noted. Reports in respect of Tennis Centre and EV Procurement would be deferred until later in the year.

Appointment

Councillor Thornton-Nicol proposed that Councillor M Douglas be appointed to the Executive Committee. This was agreed.

Private Business

The Council agreed under Section 50A(4) of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of the business detailed in the Appendix to the Minute on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Minute (Private Business)

The private sections of the Minute of the meeting held on 26 March 2026 were approved.

Committee Minutes (Private Business)

The private sections of the Committee Minutes detailed in paragraph four of the main agenda were approved.

Levelling Up Fund - Chambers Institution

A report by the Director of Resilient Communities on the Levelling Up Fund - Chambers Institution was considered.