Agenda item

Copies of applications attached as follows:-

MEMBERS

All three elected Members of the Sub-Committee declared an interest in the funding application considered in 3.1 below, in terms of Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct. With reference to paragraph 3 of the Minute of Scottish Borders Council of 30 January 2020, it was noted that, as the Sub Committee would otherwise be inquorate, the Members could consider the application but that their decision would be in the form of a recommendation to Council, where the application would be finally determined.

3.1       Selkirk Common Riding Trust

There had been circulated copies of an application on behalf of Selkirk Common Riding Trust for financial assistance towards the cost of a new platform system at the Victoria Hall.  In the application it was explained that the platform would accommodate the annual ceremony of “Bussin” the Royal Burgh Flag on Common Riding Morning.  The new system would, in the long term, save the Common Riding Trustees a considerable amount of money and serve to perpetuate the Common Riding tradition.  In a discussion of the application a question was asked as to where the platform would be stored.  After further consideration, Members agreed to recommend that the full amount requested of £2,250 be granted, subject to the arrangements and cost of storage being the responsibility of the Trust. 

DECISION

*          AGREED to RECOMMEND to COUNCIL approval of a grant of £2,250 to Selkirk Common Riding Trust, towards the cost of a new platform system at the Victoria Hall subject to the following:-

(a)        that the arrangements and cost of storage of the platform be the responsibility of the Trust; and

(b)       the work associated with the construction of the platform be carried out in accordance with current guidelines relating to the Covid-19 restrictions.

3.2       Ettrick Forest Bowling Club

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance on behalf of Ettrick Forest Bowling Club.  The application was for £2,540.00 to replace an existing wooden fence, which was rotting, and to replace an ageing hedge with a new fence, thereby enhancing the club’s boundary and surroundings.  Whilst Members did note from the application papers that the club had a positive bank balance they also recognised that in the current exceptional circumstances the club would not be receiving any income.  Members agreed to grant the full amount requested.

            DECISION

AGREED to grant funding of £2,540 to Ettrick Forest Bowling Club for the replacement of an existing fence and an ageing hedge, subject to the work being carried out in accordance with current guidelines relating to the Covid-19 restrictions.

3.3       Selkirk Musical Theatre Company

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance on behalf of Selkirk Musical Theatre Company.  The application was for £1,500 to part offset the cost of hiring rehearsal and performance space in preparation for a production in February 2021.  A total of £2,000 had so far been raised by the organisation’s own efforts.  However, the application referred to the situation in the light of the pandemic and it was noted that as there were still many conditions with regard to lockdown easing the fund-raising opportunities were very much diminished.  Members were very supportive of the value of the Musical Theatre Company to the community of Selkirk, but were concerned that ongoing restrictions may prevent the annual production in February 2021 from going ahead.  After further discussion they agreed in principle to grant the full amount requested but that payment should be deferred until it was confirmed that the production would go ahead.

DECISION

AGREED in principle to grant funding of £1,500 to Selkirk Musical Theatre Company towards the cost of the February 2021 production, payment being subject to this production going ahead.

3.4       Girlguiding trip to Canada

There had been circulated copies of an application for financial assistance from a young resident of Selkirk, who was a Ranger/Young Leader and had been selected for a Girlguiding trip to Canada in July 2021.  The request was for £1,800 towards the total estimated cost of £2,500.  In the application it was emphasised that the experience of the trip would benefit not only the young person concerned, but would be shared with other guiding units and the wider community. The application was supported by a letter from the District Commissioner of Girlguiding Scotland, who also referred to the restrictions around the Covid-19 lockdown which prevented access to usual methods of fundraising.  Members recognised the value of the opportunity of this trip for the young person concerned and accepted the wider potential benefits.  However there was some discomfort expressed about the application, it being pointed out that the purpose of the Common Good Fund was to benefit the whole community where possible, rather than to support individual residents. Although opinion was divided, the conclusion of the discussion was not to give a grant in this case. It was noted that the applicant had been referred to a more appropriate source of funding. 

DECISION

AGREED not to provide a grant towards the applicant’s participation in a Girlguiding trip to Canada.

MEMBER

Councillor Cochrane declared an interest in the following application in terms of Section 5 of the Councillors Code of Conduct and did not take part in the discussion.

3.5       Blooming Selkirk

There had been circulated copies of an application on behalf of Blooming Selkirk for a sum of £750 towards the cost of planted hanging baskets and bedding plants for Selkirk town centre.  It was explained that Blooming Selkirk, a sub-group of Selkirk Community Council, was set up initially to supply and distribute hanging baskets for the town centre.  The group’s current aim was to create a pleasant environment for residents and visitors to the town once travel restrictions were relaxed.  A total of £600 had been raised by the group’s own efforts but further fundraising had been interrupted by the Covid-19 lockdown.  Members were very supportive of the project and agreed to grant in full the amount requested.

DECISION

AGREED to grant £750 to Blooming Selkirk towards the cost of hanging baskets and bedding plants for the town centre, subject to the work being carried out in accordance with current guidelines relating to the Covid-19 restrictions.