Community group behind plans to revive Jedburgh swimming pool thrown funding lifeline
A hard-working campaign group battling to save a Scottish Borders swimming pool has received a £135,000 lifeline.
Laidlaw Memorial Pool closed following the insolvency of Jedburgh Leisure Facilities Trust in November 2024.
The pool has remained closed since that time, however, the facility continues to be maintained by the council and is classed as a vacant building within the non-operational estate.
Community engagement undertaken as part of the options appraisal confirmed a strong level of community attachment to the facility, alongside repeated calls for the swimming pool to reopen.
Last year an Integratis consultation report proposed that the pool should remain closed, with options for permanent closure, disposal and Community Asset Transfer (CAT) assessed and scored as part of the appraisal process.
The council subsequently agreed at its meeting in November last year that officers should support a community steering group in developing a business plan for the reopening of the pool, including the requirements necessary to bring the facility back into operation.
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Ongoing support has been provided to the community steering group by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and SBC, including financial assistance to develop a business plan and verify costs.
The community steering group under the name Jed Valley Swim is being supported to develop a viable business case for the facility.
When members of Scottish Borders Council met on Thursday, June 25, they agreed “in principle” to a request for £135k in revenue support to assist with the pool’s reopening.
Members also agreed that a long-term lease with Jed Valley Swim, at an annual charge of £260, will be considered if Borderlands capital funding is secured, with the group to work towards full ownership of the building over time.
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Jedburgh Conservative councillor Scott Hamilton, who has been instrumental behind the scenes in efforts to save the pool, paid tribute to the community.
He said: “This pool was a lifeline to many in Jedburgh. It was a very well-used community asset and unfortunately due to a multitude of issues it was unable to continue.
“Now most communities could just sit down and take that news, however Jedburgh was not going to have that and the community group was formed and told under no circumstances this was not a done deal.
“They knew they were going to have to work at it, and they absolutely have.
“What we are asking you here is to put that further element of trust in this group so they are able to further develop this business case.”
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