Wednesday May 13th 2026
Scottish Borders independant councillor James Anderson
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Scottish Borders councillor who has fostered 14 children over more than a decade has given his backing to Foster Care Fortnight (May 11-25).
As part of the initiative, Scottish Borders Council is encouraging anyone interested in becoming a foster carer to find out more about how they could make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people in care.
The council is looking to hear from potential carers able to care for children and young people aged between 0 and 21, particularly those who could support older children, sibling groups, disabled children and unaccompanied asylum‑seeking children.
The local authority is also seeking carers who could provide short breaks for children with complex needs and disabilities.
This involves offering weekend breaks and short‑term care for children who continue to live at home with their parents, support that makes a vital difference to families by giving them time to rest and recharge, while ensuring children receive high‑quality, consistent care.
Councillor James Anderson, who represents East Berwickshire as an independent, is one such carer.
He has spent the last 15 years offering support for children, which he has found all-absorbing but hugely rewarding.
Mr Anderson said: “I think fostering is something that if you are at a point in life when your life is nice and stable and you feel there is a little bit you could give to kids that are in need, even if it is just respite, it’s worth looking into.
“It’s quite an all-absorbing thing to do at times but the rewards you get from that outweigh any negatives and if anybody is thinking about doing it I’d encourage them to pick up a phone and have that initial conversation with people.
“I’m on year 15 now. I started doing respites, taking kids for weekends. It was initially kids who were autistic and disabled and that was just for days out to give the families a rest during the day and then I switched to weekends.
“I did short-term for two years and then switched to long-term after that, which I’ve now been doing for ten years.”
Mr Anderson said there were alternatives to the council’s fostering service, such as Action for Children.
He added: “The Fostering Fortnight is not just the council it’s about promoting foster caring.”
Foster Care Fortnight is co‑ordinated annually by The Fostering Network to raise awareness of the impact of foster care and encourage more people to consider becoming carers. The theme of this year’s campaign, ‘This is Fostering’, shines a light on the everyday realities of fostering and the difference it makes to children’s lives.
From providing a safe and welcoming home to helping with homework, attending school meetings or celebrating small milestones, foster carers play a vital role in helping children feel secure, supported and able to thrive.
The campaign also recognises the commitment, patience and care shown by foster carers across the Scottish Borders – and that while fostering often happens quietly, its impact can be lifelong.
Councillor Tom Weatherston, SBC’s executive member for Social Work and Inclusion said: “Fostering is about providing children with stability, care and a sense of belonging. Often it’s the everyday routine – having meals together, being listened to and feeling safe – that makes the biggest difference.
“Across the Scottish Borders, our foster carers quietly do this every day. By opening their homes and their hearts, often over long periods of time, they play a crucial role in helping children feel valued, supported and able to build positive futures. Their impact on the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and young people is truly life‑changing and they deserve our heartfelt recognition and thanks for the commitment, compassion and consistency they show.
“Our carers come from all walks of life. They may be single or in a partnership, but what unites them is a genuine interest in children and young people, a commitment to positive parenting, and the patience and understanding needed to help children grow in confidence.
“If you think you’ve got the motivation, skills and experience to join our fostering community, our Family Placement Team is here to help and support you every step of the way. They can talk you through all the rewards and benefits of being a carer which includes access to a supportive team environment, high quality training and support, regular supervision with a qualified social worker, competitive fees and allowances and reimbursement of expenses. Just get in touch to find out more.”
To contact the Family Placement Team, call 01896 662799 or visit: www.scotborders.gov.uk/fostering.
Find out more about Action for Children’s fostering service: https://www.actionforchildren.org.uk/
Information about becoming a foster carer is also available via the Scottish Government’s online resource at: www.gov.scot/fostercare including guidance on the application and approval process and real‑life stories from existing foster carers.
Tweet Share on Facebook
