Borders residents invited to ‘speak up’

Borderers are being encouraged to “speak up” this summer and share their views on the direction their communities should take.

Residents across the region are being invited to take part in Scottish Borders Council’s Community Conversations 2026/27.

Councillor Euan Jardine is encouraging Borderers to have their say.

placeholder image — Councillor Euan Jardine is encouraging Borderers to have their say.

The programme, under the theme ‘Talk today, shape tomorrow’, gives local people the opportunity to meet councillors and senior officers to discuss the issues that matter most to them, both in their local area and across the region.

Feedback gathered through the conversations will help inform the development of the Council Plan and associated budget for 2027/28.

Councillor Euan Jardine, leader of SBC, said: “This year marks the fifth year of our Community Conversations.

“They’ve become an important way for local people to influence the future of the Scottish Borders.

“They give residents the chance to share their views, better understand how the Council works and help shape the decisions that affect their communities.

“Whether you have an idea, a concern or simply want to understand more about how decisions are made, I would encourage you to come along.”

A series of public events will take place during August, with each session featuring a short presentation from council directors followed by facilitated round-table discussions:

• Thursday 6 August – Volunteer Hall, Galashiels (Eildon), 6pm-8pm;

• Tuesday 11 August – Volunteer Hall, Duns (Berwickshire), 6pm-8pm;

• Thursday 13 August – Lesser Hall, Hawick Town Hall (Teviot and Liddesdale), 6pm-8pm;

• Tuesday 25 August – Peebles Burgh Hall (Tweeddale), 6pm-8pm;

• Thursday 27 August – Jedburgh Town Hall (Cheviot), 6pm-8pm.

Residents can also speak with the Council’s Community Engagement Team at a number of informal drop-in events throughout July and August:

• Friday 24 and Saturday 25 July – Border Union Show, 9am-5pm;

• Saturday 1 August – Selkirk Farmers Market, 9.30am-1pm;

• Wednesday 5 August – Morrisons, Hawick, 12pm-2.30pm;

• Saturday 15 August – Peebles Farmers Market, 9am–3pm

• Saturday 22 August – Kelso Farmers Market, 9.30am-1.30pm;

• Saturday 29 August – Scottish Borders Pride, Galashiels, 12pm-5pm.