A report recommending widespread closures of public facilities has sparked anger and uncertainty across the Scottish Borders, with council leaders now promising extensive public consultation before any decisions are made.
The situation blew up after consultants brought in to assess the future of Live Borders—the charitable trust managing many of the area’s leisure and cultural venues—warned of deep financial trouble. Over 50 jobs could go. Several beloved pools, libraries and community halls could follow.
Financial cracks widen behind the scenes
Scottish Borders Council says the current model is simply not working anymore. It’s costing more than anyone’s comfortable with.
In 2023, Live Borders required an extra £2.5 million just to stay afloat—on top of its standard £4.8 million council funding. The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a grim picture.
Councillors were told that sticking with the current offering wasn’t viable long term. Something had to give.
The axe could fall on these sites
The list of facilities under threat is long. Locals are stunned by how widespread the recommendations are.
Among the named:
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Selkirk Swimming Pool
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Queen’s Leisure Centre and Tri Fitness gym, Galashiels
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Laidlaw Pool in Jedburgh (already shut and now advised to remain so)
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Libraries in Earlston, Eyemouth, Coldstream and Hawick
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Old Gala House
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Abbey Row Centre, Kelso
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Sir Walter Scott’s Courtroom, Selkirk
Then there’s the proposal to convert the bowling hall at Tweedbank and the sports hall at the Gytes in Peebles into gyms.
This isn’t just about a few buildings. For many residents, it feels like the social fabric of their towns is being unpicked.
“It’s the heart of our town”
Councillors themselves aren’t all on board with the findings of the report. Some are openly critical.
Marshall Douglas, who represents Tweeddale East, didn’t mince words. “The current situation is not sustainable,” he admitted, “but there are inaccuracies, omissions, and contradictions in the report.”
He took particular issue with the proposed closure of Innerleithen Memorial Hall, calling it the “living heart of the town’s community.” For him, the small amount of money saved wouldn’t justify the damage done.
One-sentence paragraph here. It needs to breathe.
Robin Tatler, another local councillor, echoed the sentiment but struck a more measured tone. He said the discussion was just beginning, and communities would have their say.
Council Leader Euan Jardine stressed the need for caution and consensus. “We can be pragmatic. We can be forward-thinking,” he said. But he made it clear—no quick decisions. “It’s really important we get this right.”
Why it’s happening now
So what’s really driving this?
The answer’s plain: money. Local authorities everywhere are under pressure, but rural regions like the Borders have been particularly squeezed.
Here’s a simple table to break down the funding shortfall:
| Year | Council Funding to Live Borders | Additional Bailout | Total Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | £4.8m | £0 | £4.8m |
| 2023 | £4.8m | £2.5m | £7.3m |
That extra £2.5 million? It wasn’t part of the plan. It was a last-minute save.
Officials say they can’t keep relying on emergency funds like that. Something structural has to change.
Public trust may be hard to rebuild
The trouble is, people feel blindsided. These facilities aren’t just amenities. They’re spaces where kids learn to swim, teens hang out, pensioners stay active, and communities come together.
There’s a real fear that consultation will just be a box-ticking exercise. Several residents have pointed out that many smaller towns already feel neglected—and this won’t help.
The closures would disproportionately affect:
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Low-income families who can’t travel easily to bigger towns
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Elderly residents who rely on local community centres
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Children and teens needing local sports and arts access
One-sentence paragraph again. It matters.
The council insists no decisions will be made until after public engagement. But the timeline? Still unclear.
“We’ll listen,” council promises
Despite public anxiety, the council seems keen to emphasise its openness. Jardine repeated that the consultation would be “in-depth” and would invite real input.
He also mentioned exploring alternatives—like merging services or finding community-led ways to operate certain buildings. But it’s early days.
So what might the next steps look like?
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Community meetings in every affected area
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Online surveys and feedback portals
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Options to convert or relocate services rather than outright close them
Officials hope that if the community steps up with ideas, some facilities might yet be saved. But there’s also realism in the room. Some closures now seem inevitable.
