The Scottish Borders Council met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues affecting the region. Key decisions included the approval of a review into financial support for community councils, the establishment of a working group to examine the future of the Local Festival Grant Scheme, and the agreement to proceed with a statutory consultation on the permanent closure of Fountainhall Primary School and its Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) setting.

Review of Financial Support to Community Councils

The Council agreed to undertake a review of the financial support provided to community councils during 2026/27. This review will be conducted by a working group comprising elected members and community councillors from each of the five localities, chaired by the Executive Member for Communities & Partnerships. Recommendations are to be reported to the Council by the end of 2026. The last review in 2023/24 resulted in a 10% increase in the annual grant and an increase in the maximum path maintenance reimbursement. The current financial commitment for community council support in 2025/26 is £98,179.02.

Review of Neighbourhood Support Fund

The report provided an overview of the Neighbourhood Support Fund (NSF) for 2025/26, noting that the fund was fully allocated. For 2026/27, the NSF budget will increase to £185,074 following the incorporation of the Federation of Village Hall Scheme budget. Borders Community Action (BCA) will continue to administer the fund, focusing on three priority themes: Community Spaces, Community Spaces Feasibility, and Community Health and Wellbeing.

Scottish Borders Council Local Festival Grant Scheme Review

A Short Life Working Group will be established to review the Local Festival Grant Scheme, with a view to making recommendations for its future structure from 2027/28. The group will consist of five elected members, four representatives from local festival committees, and will be supported by officers. This review is part of a three-year cycle agreed in 2023/24. Currently, 29 festivals receive annual grants for insurance and public protection measures, though uptake of an additional £30,000 top-up fund has been low due to difficulties in meeting the criteria.

Jedburgh - Laidlaw Memorial Pool

The Council noted the progress made by the community steering group in developing a draft business plan for the community-led operation of the Laidlaw Memorial Pool. A further report will be brought to Council detailing this business plan once it has undergone further diligence checks and independent verification. The Jedburgh Borderlands Town Investment Plan has been approved, identifying the pool's reopening as a priority project. The community steering group is also in the process of becoming constituted as Jed Valley Swim .

Update on Regional Economic Partnerships

The Council received an update on the evolving national policy direction regarding regionalisation and regional economic partnerships. The Scottish Government intends to introduce legislation to allow regional groupings to seek legal status as 'Regional Partnerships', unlocking additional powers. The Council is connected to multiple regional structures, including the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal, the South of Scotland Regional Economic Partnership, and the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal. Officers were instructed to develop an enhanced strategic framework for the Council's economic development activity to engage with these evolving regional agendas.

Review of Fountainhall Primary School and ELC - Proposal to Proceed to Statutory Consultation

The Council agreed to proceed with a statutory consultation on the permanent closure of Fountainhall Primary School and its Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) setting. The school and ELC have been mothballed due to significantly declining pupil numbers. An options appraisal and community survey indicated a preference for permanent closure and rezoning the catchment area to Heriot Primary School, which would support the sustainability of that smaller rural school. The statutory consultation will commence on 24th August 2026.

Updates to the Scheme of Delegation

The Council agreed to updated its Scheme of Delegation to reflect recent organisational and management changes. These updates are technical in nature and ensure the scheme accurately reflects the current management structure, including the Directorate of Adult Social Work and Care. No new powers have been introduced, and existing powers have not been expanded.

Appointments

Councillor Jenny Linehan was appointed to both the Scottish Borders Licensing Board and the Civic Government Licensing Committee.

Motions

Motion by Councillor Drummond Begg: The Council agreed to a motion requesting officers to prepare a report on actions contributing to the wellbeing of the River Tweed, its tributaries, and the North Sea. This report will examine how the Council can protect the River Tweed in its strategic decisions, plans, and policies, and how it can work with partners to improve water quality and sustainability.

Motion by Councillor Leagh Douglas: The Council agreed to a motion requesting a report and action plan on developing neuro-affirming classrooms and supporting neurodivergent learners. This will build on existing work within the Education Department and incorporate learnings from recent events hosted by the Harris Trust. The report is to be presented to the Education Sub-Committee in June 2026.

Motion by Councillor Annette Smart (Amended): An amendment proposed by Councillor Euan Jardine, seconded by Councillor Sandy Scott, was carried, meaning the original motion by Councillor Smart was not approved. The amendment focused on the feasibility of a community warden approach to improving environmental quality. The amendment proposed a review of options for enhancing the Council's ability to address dog fouling and littering, including the potential for a community warden service, and examining models used by other Scottish local authorities.

Motion by Councillor Fay Sinclair: The Council agreed to a motion requesting officers to assess the viability of developing a pilot for good-quality, accessible, and sustainable out-of-school care delivered by Scottish Borders Council. This is in response to parental demand and aims to address gaps in provision.

Motion by Councillor Clair Ramage: The Council agreed to a motion requesting the Director of Corporate Governance to prepare a draft Policy and Procedural Framework for conferring the honorary title of Freeman/Freewoman of the Scottish Border Area. This would establish transparent processes for granting this honour, which has not been bestowed since 1971.

Motion by Councillor Jenny Linehan (Amended): The Council agreed to an amended motion concerning renewable energy development. The amended motion calls on the Scottish Government to prepare a strategic, spatially-driven national policy framework for renewable energy development, enhance community engagement, improve transparency from the Energy Consents Unit, and reform the Community Benefits regime to allow for pooled, local authority-wide funds.

Questions from the Public

Councillor Euan Robson asked several questions regarding the closure of the Bank of Scotland branch in Kelso, the number of staff in depot estates across various towns, and assurances regarding Royal Mail's delivery of election mail, including postal votes. The Council will write to the bank to request an impact assessment and will work closely with Royal Mail to ensure timely delivery of election materials.

Councillor Fay Sinclair inquired about the Council's efforts to support young people's participation in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. The Council is undertaking targeted engagement in secondary schools and with youth organisations to assist with voter registration and understanding the democratic process.

Councillor Annette Smart asked about the Council's support for biodiversity and rewilding projects and the progress on conservation area appraisals. The Council continues to support various projects managed by Tweed Forum and other partners, and appraisals are progressed on a phased basis as resources permit.

Councillor Drummond Begg questioned the timeline for implementing cross-pavement EV charging solutions. A report is to be brought to Council in August detailing timelines and addressing affordability for residents.

Councillor Thomson asked the Leader of the Council about how the Council ensures services, policies, and investment decisions consider the needs of women, referencing feminomic principles. The Council assured that these considerations are embedded through the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty, assessed via integrated impact assessments.

Councillor Thomson also asked about the accessibility of the civility pledge signed by elected members. The Chief Executive confirmed that 10 members have signed the pledge, but the document is not publicly available.

Councillor Clair Ramage asked about the provision of counselling in schools for children and young people. The contract with MYPASS for counselling services is well-implemented, with feedback being positive. Waiting lists are lowest in Jedburgh and Selkirk, with longer lists in Peebles, Aralston, and Hawick, generally proportionate to school roll size.

Draft Agenda

The draft agenda for the Council meeting on 21 May 2026 was noted, with a query raised about the pay parking review and whether the working group would meet again.

Private Business

The Council moved into private business to discuss matters that required the exclusion of the public.