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Minutes of Meeting of Biggar Community Council
15 Dec 2025 Venue: Library. Time 7:00pm- 7:50
Present:  Jimmy Ritchie (Chair), Lesley Craise (Treasurer), Roger Curtis (Secretary).  Laura Shirley, Allan Hunter, Councillor McAllan, Caz Alcorn, Councillor Allison, Neil Ingram, Lesley Campbell, Gillian Gardner
Apologies:   Ben Wayne, Councillor Barker,
 
Five members of the public attended
 
  1. Welcomes and Apologies
 
  1. Notification of AOCB -  concern about naked flame at Panto in Corn Exchange
 
  1. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting  (17/11/25) Approved.
          Proposed by  Lesley Craise,   Seconded by Alan Hunter   

     4.   Changes of Membership
           Alan Broadfoot was voted in as a Committee member.  CAZ is arranging for the application form to be sent to SLC 
 
  1. Matters Raised By Members of the Public
         Biggar Public Park – the Golf Club Committee gave an update.
 
  1. Secretary’s Report
  1. Treasurer has ensured that we no longer need to pay the ICO fee, as per e mail from ICO of the 2 December 2025.
     7. Police Report   no report 
 
  1. SLC Councillors’ Report
  1. There was a discussion about traffic lights being installed at the junction of Station Road and the High St 
9. Treasurer’s Report Presented by Lesley Craise, Treasurer             
As of 15/12/25
              Business Account£ 460.54
              Clyde Windfarm£ 6698.40
               Incentive Account£ 3467.93
                     Of which: £316.52  (Incentive)
                     £2109.81( Clyde Extension)
                     £541.60 (Glenkerie/Nadara
 
  1. Windfarm Micro Grants
Biggar High School Awarded£320for YPI workshops
Biggar Museum Awarded£500for crockery
 
  1. Planning Matters
  1. Neil reported on development of funding for more and updating of windfarms which should bring more development funds to the area.
   12.Other Matters 
 
  1. a, the committee member who raised concerns about fire hazards at the Corn Exchange during the recent pantomime was assured that the Corn Exchange takes all safety     precautions.
  1. The bonfire is ready.
  2. Could there be a defibrillator installed further up the high street?
  3. Could there be lights between Boghill and  the Rugby club?
  4. Could there be a “Welcome to Biggar Sign?”
  5. Request had been made for clarity on who maintained the gardens. The following is the current situation:
    1. The Andrew Hope Memorial Garden-  well maintained by Zest with no charge to the community.
    2. The Poetry Garden – responsibility of Brownsbank
    3. Edinburgh Road corner with Broughton Road – The Civic Society is trying to maintain it but needs volunteers to do so.
 
14. Date of Next Meeting  19th Jan 2026
 
Minutes of Meeting of Biggar Community Council
17 Nov 2025 Venue: Gillespie. Time 7:20pm- 8:00
Present:  Jimmy Ritchie (Chair), Lesley Craise (Treasurer), Roger Curtis (Secretary).  Laura Shirley, Allan Hunter, Councillor McAllan, Caz Alcorn, Councillor Allison, Neil Ingram, Lesley Campbell, Gillian Gardner
Apologies:   Ben Wayne, Councillor Barker, Caz Alcorn
 
TWO members of the public attended
 
  1. Welcomes and Apologies
 
  1. Notification of AOCB -    none
 
  1. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting  (20/10/25)
 
  1. Approved. Proposed by  Lesley Craise,   Seconded by Jimmy Richie. It was noted that the previous minutes were seconded by Lesley Campbell not Lesley Craise.
 
  1. Changes of Membership
     Fionna Miskelly has resigned due to work pressure
 
  1. Matters Raised By Members of the Public
  1. Concern was expressed about street lights in the High Street - Jimmy Richie has   reported it.
  2. It was reported by the Golf Course chairperson that there has been a high level of public support submitted to SLC for the Golf Club to take over the running of the public park and caravan site. It is foreseen that 10% of caravans will be long term residents while 90% will be holiday short term stayers. There will be camping  facilities.
  3. Funding for the Biggar Bonfire is at a good level.
 
  1. Secretary’s Report
  1. Future Road closure notifications have been sent to Facebook
 
  1. Police Report  
Community Council-Police Report
Police update 20/10/2025 - 17/11/2025
34 incidents were recorded for Biggar during this period. For comparison, in the same period, 135
calls were received for Lanark, and 176 for Carluke.
4 of these incidents resulted in crime reports being raised, which relate to 3 x crimes of dishonesty
and 1 x fire raising.
From my analysis of incidents and crime reports, there is nothing to indicate any specific trends that
should cause any concerns to the local community.
Please report any incidents to police by either phoning 101 or using the online reporting tool on the
Police Scotland website.
Community Police officers can also be contacted by emailing
  •  
PC Jennifer Webster Q573
PC Ross Allan Q646
  1. Treasurer’s  Presented by Lesley Craise, Treasurer
 
As of the 17th of November 2025
Business Account £496.94
Clyde Windfarm £7098.40
Incentive Account £3467.93
Of which
316.52 (Incentive)
541.60 (Glenkerie)
2109.81 (Clyde Extension)
 
  1. Windfarm Micro Grants
Friends of Biggar Bonfire was awarded £400
 
  1. Planning Matters
  1. Neil reported that there is a Windfarm meeting on the 26th November.
  2. The Chip shop had applied to use part of the premises as a holiday let
 
  1. Other Matters
 
14. Date of Next Meeting  15th Dec 2025



Minutes of Meeting of Biggar Community Council
20 Oct 2025 Venue: Gillespie. Time 7:00pm- 8:15
Present:  Jimmy Ritchie (Chair), Lesley Craise (Treasurer),   Roger Curtis (Secretary).  Laura Shirley, Allan Hunter, Councillor McAllan, Caz Alcorn, Councillor Allison, Neil Ingram, Lesley Fionna Miskelly
Apologies:   Ben Wayne, Councillor Barker, Gillian Gardner
 
Five members of the public attended.
 
  1. Welcomes and Apologies

     2. Discussion with David McMunn of the Biggar Medical Practice – he gave a twenty minute update on the Biggar Medical Practice covering: 
  1. Expansion plans
  2. Sickness to Medical Staff
  3. Appointments system
  4. Dealing with issues raised by the Committee
 
  1. Notification of AOCB -    none
 
  1. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting  (15/09/25)
 
  1. Approved. Proposed by CAZ,   Seconded by Leslie Craise
 
  1. Changes of Membership
     None. 
 
  1. Matters Raised By Members of the Public
  1. Concern was expressed about street lights in the High Street
 
  1. Items from BCC E Mails, and Facebook Page
 
  1. Police Report  had not been received. The Secretary will follow up with the Police.
 
  1. Treasurer’s  Presented by Lesley Craise, Treasurer
As of the 20th of October 2025
Business Account £496.94
Clyde Windfarm £7098.40
Incentive Account £2967.93
Of which
316.52 (Incentive)
541.60 (Glenkerie)
2109.81 (Clyde Extension)
 
  1. Windfarm Micro Grants
One microgrant approved of £500 (by email) from Womankind Clydesdale for their Kindness at Christmas Project
 
  1. Planning Matters
  2. (a) Neil reported that there is a teem meeting of the Clyde Way on the 30th Oct
   12. Golf Club and bid for running Caravan Site – the Chairperson of the Golf Club gave an update saying that the community asset transfer was going through, and members of the public need to write to SLC showing support.  
 
14. Date of Next Meeting   and AGM  17th Nov 2025


Minutes of Meeting of Biggar Community Council
15 Sept 2025 Venue: Gillespie. Time 7:00pm- 7:45pm
Present:  Jimmy Ritchie (Chair), Lesley Craise (Treasurer),   Roger Curtis (Secretary).  Laura Shirley, Allan Hunter, Councillor McAllan, Caz Alcorn,  Councillor Allison, Gillian Gardner, Neil Ingram, Lesley Campbell
Apologies:   Ben Wayne,  Councillor Barker,  Fionna Miskelly
 
Four members of the public attended
 
  1. Welcomes and Apologies
 
  1. Notification of AOCB -    none
 
  1. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting  (18/08/25)
 
  1. Approved. Proposed by Jim Richie,   Seconded by Laura Shirley
  2.  Roger Curtis made the point that he disagreed about the High St Bus Shelter being moved, for although the current situation is not ideal, he felt the alternative suggestions would make things worse
 
  1. Changes of Membership
None.  The secretary will ask Ben Wayne again if he wishes to continue his membership
 
  1. Matters Raised By Members of the Public
 
  1. Biggar Public Park Lease - A community assets transfer is in process. BCC have sent a letter of support.
 
  1. Events since the last meeting – the Open Day was a success. Biggar and District Civic Society reported that Doors Open Day was a great success for Lanarkshire venues. Much appreciation of online  publicity and  brochures from BDCS.
 
  1. The shut down of  the internet was the result of main cables burning out. It is hoped that this will not happen again.
 
 
  1. Items from BCC E Mails, and Facebook Page
  1. Tree affecting internet cables – the person concerned has been advised who to contact.
  2.  ICO payment – the Council were advised by the Treasurer  that we do not need to pay this, due to changes on the BCC’s website.   
 
  1. Police Report  had not been received. The Secretary will follow up with the Police.
  2. SLC Councilors’ reports –
a} Complaint about a tree interfering with telephone cables. Cllr McAllan had been advised that the internet provider should be contacted .
b} Cllr McAllen had raised the concern about the bus stop with SLC
  
  1. Treasurer’s  Presented by Lesley Craise, Treasurer
 
As of the 15th of September 2025
Business Account £514.94
Clyde Windfarm £7581.40
Incentive Account £3467.93
Of which
316.52 (Incentive)
1041.60 (Glenkerie)
2109.81 (Clyde Extension)
 
  1. Windfarm Micro Grants 
Community First Responders were awarded £500 and
Royal British Legion Biggar Branch were awarded £140
for insurance costs for this year procession. Voting had
already taken place by email.
From Biggar Youth Project for logo redesign and staff Staff Indentification Project – request for ££483. Granted.
  1. Planning Matters
Neil Ingram is sending a letter to SLC about BCC’s concerns about the Loaningdales planning application.
Neil identified planning application for area near Market Rd to be used for storage containers.
 
  1. Other Matters
It was requested that the Secretary contact the Health Centre for another update meeting.
 
14. Date of Next Meeting    20th Oct 2025



Time 7:00pm- 7:45pm
Present:  Jimmy Ritchie (Chair), Lesley Craise (Treasurer),   Roger Curtis (Secretary).  Laura Shirley, Allan Hunter, Councillor McAllan, Caz Alcorn,  Councillor Allison.
Apologies:   Ben Wayne, Caz Alcorn, Gillian Gardner, Neil Ingram, Councillor Barker,  Fionna Miskelly
 
Two members of the public attended
 
  1. Welcomes and Apologies
 
  1. Notification of AOCB -    none
 
  1. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting  (28/07/25)
 
  1. Approved. Proposed by Lesley Craise, Seconded by Allan Hunter
 
  1. Changes of Membership
None.  The secretary will ask Ben Wayne again if he wishes to continue his membership
 
  1. Matters Raised By Members of the Public
 
  1. Biggar Public Park Lease - A community assets transfer is in process. There are some changes to the Golf Club Board
 
  1. Sheep – there had been some concern about certain people studying sheep in the fields with the view to theft. The police had been contacted by BCC and the felt that their was nothing to be concerned about. Councillor Allison said they had been concern for the sheep West of Biggar along the A702
 
 
  1. Items from BCC E Mails, and Facebook Page    none
 
  1. Police Report  had not been received. The Committee asked the secretary to invite the police to attend a committee meeting.
 
  1. SLC Councilors’ reports –
a} Complaint about a tree interfering with telephone cables. Was informed that it was not SLC’s responsibility but that of Open Reach. With the complainant’s permission, Cllr
McAllan had referred the matter to the local MSP, who has a direct line to Open Reach.
 
b} Complaint about cars parking on the pavement near the primary school
  
  1. Treasurer’s  Presented by Lesley Craise, Treasurer
 
As of the 18th of August 2025
 
Business Account             £ 514.94
Clyde Wind Farm             £8721.40
Incentive Account            £3947.93
 
Of which:
£  316.52   (Incentive)
£1041.60   (Glenkerie)
£2589.81   (Clyde Extension)
 
 
  1. Windfarm Micro Grants  
From Corn Exchange Young Performers for contribution to pay for Young Leaders - £480 – granted
From Corn Exchange Young Performers for Materials ( Props and Costumes) Project Coordinators and Printing Scripts £500 - granted
 
  1. Planning Matters
Neil Ingram is sending a letter to SLC about BCC’s concerns about the Loaningdales planning application.
 
  1. Other Matters
Alan Hunter raised the issue about the bus stop in the High St causing congestion when a bus is parked there. Most of the BCC members want a layby for the bus stop.
 
 
14. Date of Next Meeting    15 Sept 2025 2025


Minutes of Meeting of Biggar Community Council
28 July 2025
Present: Jimmy Ritchie (Chair) - Lesley Craise (Treasurer), Laura Shirley, Allan Hunter, Councillor McAllan, Caz Alcorn, Fionna Miskelly, Lesley Campbell, Councillor McAllan
Apologies:  Roger Curtis (Secretary), Gillian Gardner, Councillor Allison, and Counsellor Barker
  1. Minutes of last meeting – the minutes of the last meeting held on 16th June were approved by Lesley Craise and seconded by Caz Alcorn
  2. Membership – no changes. Note to Secretary:  to follow up Ben’s Associate Membership and ascertain if he is still available.
  3. Matters raised by in relation to Parks.
  1. Biggar Public Park – representatives of the Golf Club and Caravan Park were in attendance and reported as follows:
  • Golf Club at the point of securing charitable status and their feasibility study was now completed and the overall outcome was that the Golf Club could with added assistance and community involvement take responsibility for the Golf Club, Caravan Park, and Public Park.
  • Cost implications were high including upgrading toilets, caravan park electrics, toilets and the refiguration of the Caravan Park.
  • Representatives confirmed that the Contract was still out for tender with eight potential bidders and an Asset Transfer could take more than twelve months. Realistically the transfer could take a further eighteen months.
  • The Golf Course Committee needed to recruit additional trustees particularly with an expertise in legal and financial matters. The potential Trustee structure would cover Golf, Fundraising, Finance, Legal and Caravan Park. This would all be subject to the transfer of ‘Common Good land.’  Lawson Lockhart and Andrew Perry would be working on plans with the Committee.
  1. Burnbraes Park – Philip Kearney from Tweed Forum is heading this project – concern was expressed in relation to the flood plans being considered for the 8th and 9th Greens at the Golf Club and this matter was being addressed by the Club and Forum. The bridge repairs were still awaited, and this would be followed up by Councillor McAllan and Jimmy Ritchie though it was envisaged that the bridge would be repaired as part of the Tweed Form work.
Note from Laura Shirley: Local SLC Team have been surveying Burnbraes including the paths on slopes for necessary repair work and addressing overgrowth etc.
 
  1. Items Emails/Facebook
The following information has been shared:
  • Just Transition to Net Zero Submissions
  • Free Defibrillators via British Heart Foundation
  • Play Sufficiency Assessment Engagement
  • Community Partnerships Register
Social media has covered the above within the community as appropriate and various organisations have followed up.
  1. Matters raised by members of the Public:
Tree Issue - Mr & Mrs Ramsay and Mrs Stewart attended the meeting with concerns over the ash tree which was creating difficulties with telecommunications due to branches hitting a telegraph pole. Lines were continually cutting out in Westercroft Brae, Rowhead Terrace and this was a concern for individuals who needed urgent access to a telephone line due to health issues and it was also a concern for people ‘working from home’  and a Vet who was ‘on call.’ BT have indicated that there is nothing they can do and SLC have failed to act. Councillor McAllan would investigate and refer to MSP as Mhari McAllan had a link with Open Reach.
Flooding to two properties – this was as a result of the weather during the Agricultural Show – Councillor McAllan was following up this complaint.
Recycling Bins (Westercrofts) – issues reported with collections which were being followed up by Councillor McAllan – problems with sizes of pick-up vehicles. All under discussion.
Lighting in Car Park (opposite Primary School) – one ‘bashed light’ at the back of the car park reported by member of the public.  Councillor McAllan would follow up with BEAR.
Cul-de-sac Opposite School (Foreknowe) – residents have reported that parents are parking over private drives at pick-up and drop-off time. Councillor McAllan agreed to follow this up.
Potholes in Cemetery – Councillor McAllan would follow this up with SLC.
  1. Police Report
Twenty-eight crimes reported. Concern was discussed in relation to the speed of vehicles through the town, especially in the morning.  The Secretary would be asked to invite the Police to the next meeting for further discussion on policing in the area and in particular issues with speeding and the activity around the theft of sheep. Action:  Secretary
  1. Planning – Loaningdale P/25/0716
The Planning application for additional properties was discussed in detail. Though no objections were raised concerns were expressed in relation to the further pressure on the Health Centre and School provision.
  1. Treasurers Report - 28 July 2025
Business Account                                   £514.94
Clyde Windfarm                                       £9371.40
Incentive Account                                   £3947.93
Account Information
£316.52 (Incentive)
£1041.60 (Glenkerie)
£2589.81 (Clyde Extension)
Windfarm Applications
Colin Wood – declined.
Biggar Community Toilets Working Group – approved.
WomanKind Clydesdale – approved.
 
Date of Next Meeting – Monday 18 August 2025 at 1900 – Biggar Library

Minutes of Meeting of Biggar Community Council
16 June 2025 Venue: Biggar Library. Time 7:00pm- 8:10pm
Present:  Jimmy Ritchie (Chair), Lesley Craise (Treasurer),   Roger Curtis (Secretary).  Laura Shirley, Allan Hunter, Councillor McAllan, Gillian Gardner, Councillor Barker, Neil Ingram , Councillor Allison, Fionna Miskelly
Apologies:   Ben Wayne, Caz Alcorn
 
  1. Welcomes and Apologies
 
  1. Notification of AOCB -  
 
  1. Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting  (19/05/25)
 
  1. It was noted that Neil Ingram was at the meeting of the 19 May 25.
  2. Approved. Proposed by Lesley Craise, Seconded by Laura Shirley
 
  1. Changes of Membership
      None
 
  1. Matters Raised By Members of the Public
 
  1. Biggar Public Park Lease  - still out to tender. County Councillors have no new        information. It was noted that there was scrape wiring in the children’s play area. – Jim Ritchie will inform SLC. 
 
  1. Items from BCC E Mails, and Facebook Page   
 
7. Police Report  
BIGGAR COMMUNITY COUNCIL POLICE REPORT - Period: 12/05/25 – 14/06/25

Total Number Calls to Police Scotland for this area:
QC51 - 30 calls.
QC52 - 25 calls
None of the calls or offences recorded relate to anything that presents a direct risk to the wider public.

A total of 28 crimes were recorded for the area.
OFFENCE TYPES
5 - Dishonesty (thefts, shoplifting)
6 – anti social offences (S.38, public nuisance, neighbour complaints)
5 – Crimes against Society (Breach of Bail, Breach ASBO, Drugs)
1 – Violence (assault)
1 – Damage & Reckless Behaviour (vandalism, wilful fire raising)
9 – Road Traffic
1 - Sexual
1 - Miscellaneous
 
We are aware of several calls relating to youth disorder following the Biggar Gala Day on Saturday
14th June 2025. Community Officers are liaising with response officers and will continue partnership
working with Biggar High School, as well as other local high schools, to identify any persons involved
in these incidents.
 
  1. SLC Councilors’ reports
  
  1. Treasurer’s  Presented by Lesley Craise, Treasurer
Treasurer’s Report 16/06/ 2025
Business Account £326.93
Clyde Windfarm £9871.40
Incentive Account £ 4477.93
Of which
£346.52 (Incentive)
£1541.60 (Glenkerie)
£ 2589.81(Clyde Extension)
 
  1. Windfarm Micro Grants  
  1. From Soul Remedy Community Interest Group  – introduction to music and immersive story telling - £500 granted
  2. From Colin Wood – contribution towards completing a Diploma in Life Skills Coaching – more information requested
  3. From Men’s Shed – for improvements to the meeting place- £500 granted.
 
  1. Planning Matters
  1. Neil Ingram explained what is happening with the Local Development Plan. So far there 17 discussion papers have been issued, including one on Rural Housing Policy that envisages 7850 extra houses over the next ten years. There has been depopulation in the Carstairs Junction area. Biggar is an attractive area however. There is also a paper on bus strategy.
 
12.Other Matters
  1. Review of Gala Week – went well but some events had to be cut short because of the weather. There had been minor damage to the toilets.
 
  1. Concern was expressed by the state of the burn braes area in terms of litter.
 
  1. It was announced that Robert Stuart the Head Teacher at the High School is retiring at the end of term. It was agreed to send him a letter of thanks. ( This has been actioned by the Secretary.
  1.  
 
14. Date of Next Meeting    21 July 2025






 



 








 






 
 


 
  


 
 

 

 




  
 





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