Ground at Boleside

Our Executive Committee has decided not to renew the lease for ground at Boleside in Galashiels.

Councillor David Parker, Leader, explained the background to the Executive's decision and said: "It transpires that the landlord expected the Council to restrict the use of the site to the point where this would potentially conflict with rights given to the public under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

"In particular the Council would be required to prevent canoeists from gaining access to the river to launch canoes, prevent camping and the parking of caravans and to discourage swimming as well as provide a round-the-clock service to remove persons the landlord believed was disturbing fisherman clients."

Walkers, cyclists and horse riders will continue to enjoy their right of responsible access for recreational purposes, which do not involve the use of motor vehicles (except for motorised aids for the disabled). This will give access to the ground within the lease site, and outwith the site where the land is classed as open land. This complies with the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.