The Hawick Common Good Fund Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a review of financial reports, updates on community projects, and consideration of applications for financial assistance.

Monitoring Report and Proposed Budget

The committee will receive a monitoring report detailing the income and expenditure for the Hawick Common Good Fund for the 12 months leading up to 31 March 2026. This report, prepared by the Director of Finance, Suzy Douglas, will also present a proposed budget for the upcoming financial year 2026-27, along with high-level forecasts for the subsequent two years. The report indicates a projected deficit balance of £98,340 for the fund as of 31 March 2026. The documents highlight that rental income for 2025/26 was £84,954, against a forecast of £94,117, with property expenditure totalling £184,010. The Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund's value at 31 March 2026 was £458,521, showing an unrealised loss of £342. The committee will be asked to note the financial position and consider the draft budget for 2026/27.

Frederick Douglass Working Group Update

An update report from the Frederick Douglass Working Group (FDWG) is scheduled for discussion. The FDWG was formed to commemorate Frederick Douglass's historic visit to Hawick in 1846, where he spoke on abolitionism. The group has been working on various projects, including the unveiling of a bronze plaque at Myreslawgreen in February 2023, which was attended by over 100 people, including the US Consul General in Scotland, Jack Hillmeyer. The FDWG has also developed educational materials for students, collaborated with Show Racism the Red Card, and organised a Hawick's Black History tour. Future projects include the establishment of a Frederick Douglass Prize, a book and exhibition titled 'Adopted Teries', and discussions about a potential visit from Frederick Douglass's great-grandson. The remaining balance for the FDWG is £802.

Applications for Financial Assistance

Two applications for financial assistance will be considered:

• Tunes by the Teviot: An application for £1,750 is being considered to support key delivery costs for the Tunes by the Teviot 2026 community event. This funding would contribute to artist and band fees, as well as essential event infrastructure. The event aims to promote arts, culture, and wellbeing for the benefit of Hawick and the surrounding area, with a focus on supporting families, young people, and those facing barriers to participation. The projected income for the event is £19,035, with total expenditure estimated at £12,490.10, leaving a projected surplus of £6,544.90. The event has a safeguarding policy in place, as it involves work with children and young people.

• Hawick Common Riding Committee: This application seeks £1,996 to cover the cost of additional portable toilets required for the Common Riding weekend. The need for extra units arises from the removal of existing permanent toilets on Hawick Moor, which were deemed unfit for purpose, and a delay in replacement facilities. The committee normally hires 46 portable toilets, but an additional 22 are now required. The funding will help offset this increased cost and ensure adequate facilities for attendees. The organisation's purposes are to uphold the heritage, customs, and traditions of the Common Riding.

Woodland Management Plan

An update on the development of the Woodland Management Plan is scheduled to be presented. Further details on this item are to follow.

Motion by Councillor McAteer

Councillor Watson McAteer, seconded by Councillor Stuart Marshall, has put forward a motion concerning the provision of an annual Christmas tree in Hawick. The motion proposes that the Director of Environment and Infrastructure investigate the Hawick Common Good woodlands to identify suitable tree species for an annual Christmas tree and to designate an area for planting such species. It also suggests ring-fencing a sum of up to £1,500 in 2026 to support an application from a community organisation for the purchase of a Christmas tree, should a suitable tree not be found within the woodlands.

Property Update

A general update on Common Good property matters is also on the agenda.

The meeting will also consider minutes from previous meetings held on 19 November 2025, 15 December 2025, and 4 March 2026, along with an action tracker and a financial assistance action tracker. The committee will also address private business matters, which will be discussed with the public excluded from the meeting.