Stow and Fountainhall
Community Council
Welcome to Our Community Council
Welcome to Our Community Council
The Community Council is non-party political and carries out a number of important functions within the Parish. The main functions are:
To express the views of the community to the local authority and other public authorities.
To inform the community of information received from the local authority and other public bodies.
Over the years, the Community Council have been involved in many important issues which have had a direct influence on our community. Perhaps, none more so than the proposed reintroduction of the Waverley Railway Line. In the original proposals there was to be no station at Stow. However, the Scottish Parliament was persuaded by the Community Council along with the Action Group that a station at Stow was essential.
The Community Council is asked for comments on most planning applications within the Parish providing an opportunity for members to express the thoughts of the community on what can sometimes be a very emotive subject. Note that a Community Council has no power to pass or reject planning applications. Scottish Borders Council now operates a service within their own website which gives public access to all planning applications. Members of the public see the relevant documents and can leave comments on applications if they so wish.
The Community Council serves as the heart of our local governance, dedicated to representing and addressing the needs and aspirations of our residents. The community council is a vital link between the community and higher levels of government and aims to ensure that your voices are heard and your concerns are noted.
Our primary role is to:
Advocate for community interests and work towards solutions that enhance the quality of life in our area.
Engage with residents through open meetings, forums, and events to foster a sense of community and encourage active participation.
Plan and implement projects that promote sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and economic growth.
Collaborate with local organisations, businesses, and government agencies to address common challenges and leverage resources effectively.
We are committed to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in all our activities. By working together, we aim to build a vibrant, resilient, and thriving community where everyone feels valued and empowered. Join us in shaping the future of our community—your input and involvement make a difference!
Current Members
Andy Anderson (Chair)
Niome Lucjan (Secretary)
Jacki Cooper (Treasurer)
Helen Corcoran
Jeremy Fraser
Charlotte Hendry
Eric Miller
Thomas Miller
David Montgomerie
Jenny Mushlin
There is currently a vacancy for a Stow resident on the Community Council. If you would like to become involved please contact one of the Community Councillors or email: stowccsec@gmail.com
Local Councillors
On a monthly basis, the Community Council registers many issues of concern with the local authority. We are ably assisted in our tasks by our local elected Scottish Borders Council councillors whose ex officio membership of the Community Council allows them to advise often on important issues. They are a great help and support.
Our local Scottish Borders Council councillors are:
Councillor Euan Jardine
Telephone: 01835 826867
Email: Euan.Jardine@scotborders.gov.uk
Councillor Neil Mackinnon
Telephone: 01835 826565
Email: Neil.mackinnon@scotborders.gov.uk
Councillor Fay Sinclair
Telephone: 01835 826565
Email: Fay.sinclair@scotborders.gov.uk
Councillor Hannah Steel
Telephone: 01835 826565
Email: Hannah.steel@scotborders.gov.uk
Meetings
Community Council meetings are usually held on the first Monday of every month. Two meetings per year are usually held in Fountainhall Village Hall with the remaining ten meetings being held in Stow Town Hall or online since the Covid-19 outbreak began. All meetings commence at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend. If you wish to attend an online meeting, please contact the Community Council in advance to arrange access.
Although council meetings are open to the public, the public may not contribute to the discussions unless they are specifically asked to do so by the Chair. However, it is customary for the public who have attended a meeting to be asked if they have any points they wish to air with the committee.