Chambers Institution given back to people

David O'Leary • Published 18 Jun 2010 12:05 1 Comment

ONE of Peebles' most famous landmarks is to be returned to the people of the town.

A motion concerning the High Street's Chambers Institution is set to appear before next week's full council meeting in which approval is sought for the setting up of a management trust to take over its stewardship.

It is believed that the motion will be passed without opposition, allowing the building to be returned once more to the people of Peebles.

The iconic building was gifted to the townspeople in 1859 by William Chambers. He also stipulated that it be run by a trust for the 'social, moral and intellectual improvement' of people in the town.

This was in fact the case up until 1975, when the old town council acted as de-facto trustees. However the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 did away with town councils replacing them with district councils which in turn were replaced by local government councils in 1996.

This relentless centralisation resulted in the Chambers Institution being held in trust by Scottish Borders Council, a situation wholly at odds with the original wishes of William Chambers in 1859.

Next week, thanks in no small part to the efforts of Peebles Civic Society, the building will be returned to the people of Peebles and a management committee made of Tweeddale's six local councillors.

It is thought that Scottish Borders Council will take a lease out on the property and any monies collected will go towards the building's upkeep and renovation.

Peebles Civic Society chairman, Ronald Ireland, tentatively welcomed the news.

He said: "I haven't seen the full details yet but I welcome this move to put the Chambers Institution back in the hands of the townspeople.

"According to William Chambers' original wishes, there was always supposed to be a management committee holding the building in trust.

"This committee should not just be comprised of local councillors but various local organisations like ourselves also."

Local councillor Wille Archibald said: "This is a very welcome turn of events and a timely return of the Chambers Institution to its rightful trustees.

"Hopefully, this may be a harbinger of further powers being returned to the people."

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This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 18 Jun 10

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• 

  dave french
  Unregistered User
  Jun 21, 04:48
  Report comment

  WELL I THINK MY GRAN WILL APPROVE .............
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

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