Chambers Institution trustees sought
David O'Leary • Published 18 Nov 2011 09:30
0 Comments
Share this
See also:
LOCALS are being sought to aid in the stewardship of Peebles' most famous landmark.
An additional six voluntary trustees from Peebles are required to compliment the efforts of the current six Tweeddale councillors who currently make up the Chambers Institution Trust.
Last year councillors Calvert, Bhatia, Garvie, Herd, Logan and Archibald, were each nominated to serve as trustees of the independent body with responsibility for the overall management of the Chambers Institution.
And now they want greater public involvement in the running of the building.
The iconic building was originally gifted to the townspeople in 1859 by William Chambers, who 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 eventually being held in trust by Scottish Borders Council - a situation wholly at odds with the original wishes of William Chambers in 1859.
But last year thanks in no small part to the efforts of Peebles Civic Society, the building was returned to the people of Peebles and a management committee made up of Tweeddale's six local councillors.
Scottish Borders Council now lease their use of the property and monies collected go towards the building's upkeep and renovation.
Explaining the current recruitment drive, CIT chair Neil Calvert said: "We are planning on investing significantly in the institution to extend the facilities and to enable us to apply for third party funding we require a wider range of trustees.
"We've had quite a number of worthy applicants so far but we wish to ensure that the net is thrown as wide as possible.
"Peebles is home to many community-minded professional people; experienced people who would make perfect trustees."
Applicants are being sought with a range of skills and experience in building conservation, project management, fundraising, marketing and business skills.
For an application pack email: citpeebles@aol.com or phone 01721 729193. Closing date for applications is December 16.
This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 18 Nov 11
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
Peeblesshire News Poll
Are you in favour of wind farms?
This Poll is now closed.
Yes (72.7%)
No (27.3%)
