The Peebles Common Good Fund Sub-Committee met to discuss a range of topics, including the fund's financial performance, property updates, and requests for funding and permission for various community projects. The committee was also scheduled to discuss updates to Haylodge Park and Victoria Park.

Financial Report

The committee was scheduled to consider the financial report for the three months to 30 June 2025. The report, prepared by Suzy Douglas, Director of Finance, provided details of the income and expenditure for the Peebles Common Good Fund, a full-year projected outturn for 2025/26, and high-level forecast information for the following two years.

According to the Financial Monitoring Report to 300625, the fund had a surplus of £26,884 as of 30 June 2025, which was forecast to decrease to £13,600 by 31 March 2026. The report also noted the value of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund at £479,830 as of 30 June 2025, with forecast investment income of £23,375 for the year to 31 March 2026.

The report included a recommendation that the committee note:

• The income and expenditure forecast for 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28.
• The summary of property expenditure and net expenditure by property.
• The grant budget available in year and future years.
• The current position of the Aegon Asset Management Investment Fund.

Youth Projects

Two proposals relating to youth projects in Peebles were scheduled to be discussed.

Peeblesshire Youth Trust

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal from Glyn Harris, Programme Manager at Peeblesshire Youth Trust, for the Peebles Information Nature Knowledge (PINK) project. According to the Haylodge Park Plaques and Bird Boxes Proposal, the project involves young people creating and placing small wooden plaques with information about local wildlife in Haylodge Park. The project also includes the placement of two eco-friendly bird boxes in the park.

Glyn Harris stated in the proposal that:

We are a small charity based in Peebles that work with 10-14 year olds that struggle with self-confidence, resilience and self-esteem. We involve young people in activities that not only help them with these issues but give them a sense of pride if they can be a part of an activity that impacts positively within our community.

Peeblesshire Youth Voice

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal from Peeblesshire Youth Voice, presented by Richard McDowell, CLD Officer, and a representative from Aegir (R-Evolve), regarding youth shelters. The Common Good Fund letter re shelters august 2025 outlined two opportunities: upgrading the existing shelter in Victoria Park to make it more user-friendly, and adding a further shelter in the upper northwest corner of Haylodge Park. The proposal suggested that the new shelter should be designed and constructed with the full involvement of young people, potentially in collaboration with the Men's Shed.

The document requested that the committee provide:

a message now of indicative support with clarification of any actions you would wish to see undertaken for full support to be given.

It also requested a contribution of circa £650 to support further project definition activities.

Property Matters

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on property matters, including expenditure on the Tweedgreen Pavilion and the Three Fishes Fountain.

The Property expenditure document listed the following property expenditure since 3 June 2025:

• £695.00 repairs to steps, Ninian's Haugh
• £2185.67 repairs to handrail, roof hip timbers and lintel replacement, Old Hay Lodge Parks Depot
• £638.88 plumber repairs / legionella remedial work, Old Hay Lodge Parks Depot
• £759.24 removal of gates and drop off for storage, Tweed Green Pavillion
• £220.00 repairs to benches after vandalism, Tweed Green Pavillion

Peebles Tennis Club

The committee was scheduled to consider a request from Peebles Tennis Club, who lease the tennis courts and clubhouse at Victoria Park from the Peebles Common Good Fund, to install solar panels on their clubhouse.

According to the Peebles Common Good Sept25 Tennis club request document, Scottish Borders Council's insurance company had confirmed that the installation of solar panels was acceptable. The document recommended that landlord approval for the installation of solar panels be granted, conditional on Peebles Tennis Club obtaining all necessary permissions and consents.

Haylodge Park Santa Run

The committee was scheduled to consider a request to stage a fundraising 'Santa Run' in Haylodge Park on Sunday 7 December, as a fundraiser for the Peebles Christmas Lights Association. The Request to Stage Fundraiser for Peebles Christmas Lights Association document noted that the organisers had been in contact with the people who run Peebles Park Run, who were keen to be involved in the event. The document also asked whether an entertainments licence would be required and if there would be a booking fee for the park.

Previous Minute and Action Tracker

The committee was scheduled to review the minute of the meeting held on 11 June 2025, and updates to the action tracker.

The Minute - Peebles Common Good Fund - 11 June 2025 included discussion of the financial monitoring report to 31 March 2025, property updates, estates updates, Kingsmeadows toilets, Tweed Green Pavilion, Wood Festival, Three Fishes Fountain, and income generation.

The Action Tracker public updated 27.8.25 listed ongoing actions related to Kingsmeadows toilets, the Tweed, signage around Peebles, Destination Tweed plans at Haylodge Park, and bollards needed at the new path by the Gytes.