Friday June 19th 2026
Laidlaw Memorial Pool
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Borders swimming pool could be given a £135,000 lifeline next week.
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.
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 plan for the facility.
When members of Scottish Borders Council meet on Thursday, June 25, they will be recommended “in principle” to a request for £135k in revenue support to assist with the pool’s reopening.
A report states: “The final financial requirement and profile is to be confirmed following completion of the Borderlands business case and approval of Borderlands capital funding.
“Council revenue support would only be progressed if these conditions are achieved.”
Members will also be recommended to agree 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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