The Selkirk Common Good Fund Sub Committee was scheduled to consider financial assistance for a local charity and a tree condition survey. The meeting also included a review of the fund's financial monitoring report and action tracker.

Financial Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to review the monitoring report for the three months ending 30 June 2026. This report, prepared by the Director of Finance, Suzy Douglas, detailed the income and expenditure for the Selkirk Common Good Fund. It indicated a forecast deficit of £51,883 for the financial year 2026/27, with an anticipated improvement to a surplus of £21,028 by the end of 2028/29. The report noted that property costs had been reduced due to lower expenditure at Market Place, but future increases were expected due to identified works. Property expenditure forecasts were also detailed, including anticipated works at South Common Farm and Smedheugh Farm. The report also highlighted the grant budget available for the year, with £6,500 remaining, and the performance of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund, which showed an increase in value and an unrealised gain. The Director of Finance, Suzy Douglas, recommended that the committee note the actual income and expenditure, property expenditure forecasts, grant budget, and investment position.

Application for Financial Assistance: Interest Link Borders

An application for financial assistance of up to £1,500 from Interest Link Borders was scheduled for consideration. The charity, which supports individuals with learning disabilities and their family carers across the Scottish Borders, sought funding to contribute towards the group costs for its Central Borders Branch. These costs include activities, materials, tutors, sessional staff, venue hire, and transport for befriending groups. The application highlighted the social exclusion faced by their members and the positive impact the service has on their mental wellbeing, confidence, self-esteem, and social and communication skills. It also noted the benefit to family carers, providing them with respite and support. The report pack included supporting documents such as the Interest Link 2026 Central Borders Impact Report and the organisation's Annual Accounts for 2024-25.

Tree Condition Survey: Rosebank Drive, Selkirk

The committee was scheduled to consider a Tree Condition Survey and Risk Assessment for trees located on land at Sentry Knowe, Selkirk. The report, prepared by TD Tree & Land Services Ltd, assessed the health, structural condition, and risk posed by the trees. The survey indicated that the trees were not subject to a Tree Preservation Order and the site was not within a designated Conservation Area, meaning there were no specific statutory planning controls in place for their protection, although general duties of care applied. The report noted that the surveyed trees, consisting of three mature stems functioning as a group and two younger trees, showed good vitality with substantial woundwood development around historic bark wounds. However, the younger trees had sustained recent vandalism. The assessment concluded that no tree work was necessary at that time, but recommended re-inspection within 3 to 5 years, depending on the nature of site access.

Minute and Action Tracker

The committee was also scheduled to consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 June 2026 and review the Selkirk Common Good Fund Sub Committee action tracker. This would allow for the confirmation of previous decisions and an update on outstanding actions.