Under-threat public halls among venues announced for drop-in events to help decide their future
Last updated 17th Aug 2025
Scottish Borders Council has this afternoon (Monday) announced details of a series of drop-in events, to allow the public to have their say on the future of many of the region's libraries, leisure centres and public halls.
A report by independent consultants last month recommended closing more than 30 buildings operated by Live Borders and cutting more than 50 jobs in a bid to find annual savings of more than £2.5 million.
The first event is due to be held at the Volunteer Hall in Galashiels on July the 8th (between 2pm and 7pm); with the last two at facilities identified for closure - the Memorial Hall, Innerleithen (3pm to 8pm on Monday, August 18th) and Graham Institute in West Linton (4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, August 20th).
A number of youth engagement events are also planned, while more than a thousand responses have now been received to an online consultation.
Councillor Euan Jardine, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “I want to reiterate that no decisions have been taken on any service or facility. Our extensive consultation and engagement activities need to conclude before any proposals are developed, and that won’t be until later this summer.
“When those proposals are worked up, they will be shaped by the input provided by stakeholders and communities and take account of the impacts identified for the full range of options that exist for each service and facility. That is why it is so important that people take at least one of the opportunities available over the coming months to have their say.
“The independent consultants Integratis provided us with individual options for consideration, and whilst they will certainly shape some of the discussions we have in communities, we recognise that they are not a holistic plan of action. The proposals we develop, and which will be considered by Elected Members in the autumn, will undoubtedly be different in many cases to those put forward by Integratis, having been directly influenced by our communities.”
The full list of public drop-in events are as follows: Tuesday, July 8th - Volunteer Hall, Galashiels (2pm to 7pm).
Wednesday, July 9th: Corn Exchange, Melrose (9am to 11am); Lauder Public Hall (12noon to 2pm); Inspire Learning, Tweedbank (3pm to 5pm); Earlston Primary School (6pm to 8pm}. Thursday, July 10th: Stow Town Hall (2pm to 7pm).
Monday, July 14th: Council Headquarters reception (2pm to 7pm). Tuesday, July 15th: Southfield Community Centre, Duns (2pm to 7pm). Wednesday, July 16th: Eyemouth Community Centre (2pm to 7pm). Thursday, July 17th: Coldstream Community Centre (2pm to 7pm).
Tuesday, July 22nd: Jedburgh Town Hall (2pm to 7pm). Wednesday, July 23rd: Tait Hall, Kelso (2pm to 7pm). Thursday, July 24th: Langlee Community Centre (2pm to 7pm). Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26th: Border Union Show, Kelso.
Monday, August 11th: No8 Club, Newcastleton (4pm to 7pm). Tuesday, August 12th: Burgh Hall, Peebles (2pm to 7pm). Wednesday, August 13th: Victoria Halls, Selkirk (2pm to 7pm). Thursday, August 14th: Hawick Town Hall (2pm to 7pm).
Monday, August 18th: Memorial Hall, Innerleithen (3pm to 8pm). Wednesday, August 20th: Graham Institute in West Linton (4pm to 7pm).
In addition to the event details published today, pop-up information stands are also being planned and the engagement team will be at the Border Union Show in Kelso at the end of July to capture views and signpost people to further opportunities to get involved.
Comment cards are also available in all Live Borders venues to enable customers to provide feedback.
Bill Douglas, Chair of Live Borders’ Board of Trustees, said: “Over recent years, Live Borders has needed significant additional funding from the Council, over and above the annual management fee, to maintain services and facilities as they are – to effectively stand still.
“The current situation of services delivered from the current property estate is not sustainable and prevents both Live Borders and the Council from making more significant investments into improving our valued services and facilities. That is why changes have to be identified.
“Just as our communities are at the heart of what we do, they have to be central to shaping the future, so please take up the opportunities to give us your feedback and suggestions through the engagement process over the summer.
“As an organisation, we are doing all we can to become more efficient and reduce our costs in other ways, as well as increasing our income from commercial activities and grants and other funding. However, the reality is that a significant proportion of our operating costs are associated with our facilities.”
It's estimated tens of thousands could be saved by reducing staff cover at leisure centres alone - including at Eyemouth, where consultants claim as many as four duty managers can be on shift at one time. It's also being recommended removing the lifeguard during swimming lessons at Kelso.
It's hoped the move could help free up cash to invest in attractions like Teviotdale Leisure Centre in Hawick, the sports complex in Tweedbank and the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles, where it's envisaged the sports hall could be converted into a gym - turning a £91,000 a year deficit into a £214,000 surplus.
One of the region's most visited gyms - TriFitness - could also be moved from Galashiels (where it doesn't own its building) to Tweedbank as part of the plans which, it's claimed, would allow it to expand and generate extra revenue.
Details of all public events can be found at www.scotborders.gov.uk/jointreview, where there is also a link to the ongoing online survey.
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