Agenda item

Consider update by Estates Surveyor.

1.1          The Estates Surveyor introduced the Estates Support Assistant, Ms Beaumont, to the meeting and provided a Property Update for Members.

1.2          Scottish Kennel Club Working Trial
The Scottish Kennel Club Working Trial was given approval to go-ahead on 29 November – 4 December 2022.

1.3          Woodland
Woodland planting was nearly complete with delivery of 400 trees for the Queen’s Jubilee imminent and the official opening was advised as 22 April 2022.  Works and fencing that had been affected by recent storm activity had been reinstated.  In line with woodland, adjusted rent for Lauderhill Sheep Company had been agreed.  In response to a question from Mr Smith, the Estates Surveyor had advised that an update was required from Hamish Robertson regarding a path alongside the plantation next to Burgess Acres.  Tweed Forum was to propose a 3-year plan for the Woodland and maintenance payments were to be received from Scottish Forestry.

1.4          Storm Damage
Intermediate works had been undertaken and there were invoices totalling £1,500 related to storm Damage to be paid from the Lauder Common Good Fund.  The felling contractor for Dipper Wood advised it would be too dangerous to retain trees that were being used for a sheep shelter.  Lauderhill Sheep Company requested work for replanting of trees that would help in controlling sheep.  Due to the presence of badgers, felling could not take place at land opposite Greenwells Farm until July – November 2022.  Traffic control would also be required due to the nature of the works in relation to the road.  Income made from felling was unlikely to cover the felling costs so financial contributions might be required.  The Felling contractor estimated that felling on Lauder grazing fields would cost £550 which was required to reinstate fencing.  Detailed conversations were required with Lauderhill Sheep Company as it was clear they did not own trees.  The Estates Surveyor advised that costings would be brought to the next meeting of the Lauder Common Good Fund Sub-Committee.  The Estates Surveyor was expecting proposals from the landowner adjacent to Common Good Land that would require improvements to the road.

1.5          Lauderhill Sheep Company
Mr Middlemiss had identified a mobile sheep pen system that would save ongoing costs of upgrading the current pen system.  The system identified would cost £9,000 with costs split between Lauderhill Sheep Company and Lauder Common Good Fund.  If approved, costs could be spread over four years.  The Estates Surveyor recommended to agree to 50% of costs which was agreed by members.

1.6          Lauder Golf Club
The Estates Surveyor had obtained a quote of £995 for a kissing gate for Lauder Golf Club.  The Estates Surveyor advised that obtaining quotes was difficult due to the work fencers currently had.  The Estates Surveyor proposed that if £995 was the best quote they could obtain, they could proceed with the purchase.  In response to a question about the path by the golf course, the Estates Survey advised that a survey of the area would need to be performed and that if works were estimated to cost more than £550, Members would be informed.

DECISION

AGREED to:

(a)       Fund the Lauderhill Sheep Company purchase of a mobile sheep pen system to the sum of £4,500 on the condition that it was 50% of purchase cost.

(b)       Proceed with the purchase of a kissing gate for Lauder Golf Club at the sum of £995 if more favourable quotes were not obtained.

(c)       Note the update.