Monday November 17th 2025
Selkirk Leisure Centre
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
Winners and losers from a review of culture, leisure and sports facilities across the Borders have been revealed as communities come to terms with the proposals.
When members of Scottish Borders Council meet later this week they will be asked to endorse moves to close some venues in a bid to plug the financial losses being faced by provider Live Borders.
But there was relief as savage cuts recommended by consultants Integratis – which would have resulted in the loss of 50 jobs – have not been endorsed.
It had been feared that both Jedburgh and Selkirk leisure centres could be axed.
Now community takeovers will be explored at both venues, with deadlines next March and in spring 2029.
However, there were still bitter pills to swallow with much-loved sites such as the Focus Centre in Galashiels set to close under the cost-cutting measures.
There has been a defiant response to the centre’s proposed closure from its chair, Tracey Alder, who sent a message to members, saying: “Obviously there will be some very upset users of the Focus Centre and like me as chair, very angry.
“Do not get disheartened I will do everything in my power to keep us open. I am not having anyone from the council dictate where my wonderful family of users get to be told where to go to have their groups. Choice has a voice as far as I am concerned.”
Further venues set for closure include Eyemouth Library, which under the proposals would be relocated into Eyemouth Community Centre and Southfield Community Centre, which would also close and its activities relocated to various sites around Duns.
Yet many centres where closure was feared are recommended for retention, including Old Gala House, Lauder Public Hall, Tweedbank Community Centre, Innerleithen Memorial Hall and Peebles Drill Hall, Hawick Library and the Heart of Hawick.
Bill Douglas, the chair of Live Borders’ board of trustees, said: “I think it is clear from the breadth of recommendations developed that we have listened to our communities and that, wherever possible, we’ve tried to preserve facilities and services.
“This is about delivering more for our communities and securing the long-term future of sport, leisure and cultural services across the Scottish Borders.”
SBC leader Euan Jardine said the independent review had been a “good starting point” but had not reflected the views of communities.
He added: “The proposed solution, including a significant transformation of Live Borders, is a programme of action which delivers for Live Borders and our communities.
“It is not simply about closures, cutting services or saving money. There are real opportunities for positive service developments, for investment into facilities and for increased community control.”
Members of full council will consider the recommendations at a meeting of full council on Thursday, November 20.
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