Melrose, Eyemouth and Coldstream are set to receive their very own common good funds after it was discovered that some council assets are actually owned by the communities.

These towns do not have their own common good fund sub-committees, because in 1996, when Scottish Borders Council became a unitary authority, it was not believed the towns had any assets.

However, new research conducted by council officers shows that some assets had been designated by historic and district councils as community assets.

In Melrose, the research revealed that Melrose Town Hall, currently known as the Scout Hall, was gifted to the Burgh of Melrose in 1896.

The title deeds contain a typical common good dedication, stating that the subjects were to be used “for the public uses thereof in all time coming… for behoof of the whole body and community of said burgh”.

In Coldstream, Coldstream Museum, Home Park, and Lees Mill have all been identified as community assets.

Coldstream Museum, which was the former headquarters of the Coldstream Guards, was bequeathed to the burgh in 1953, and to be kept “in a manner in keeping with the wishes of the testator, and with their historical connection and association with said regiment”.

The former burgh council minutes show no indication of a statutory purpose for acquisition and so Scottish Borders Council officers say it should be assumed that the property is held for the common good.

Home Park, including the play area, pavilion site and pitch, was gifted by the Earl of Home in 1922 to the burgh “as representing the community of the said Burgh” for use as a public recreation ground.

Lees Mill, and play area, was acquired by burgh in 1933 for the price of £150. Although there was no statutory purpose evident, council officers say that the use of the property for recreational use by the burgh council qualifies it as a common good asset.

In Eyemouth, Brownsbank Park, Eyemouth Fort and the High Street public toilet have been found to be common good assets.

Brownsbank Park was gifted to the burgh in 1962 for use as a public park only.

It is this dedication to public use that council officers say determines that the asset should properly be classified as a common good asset

Eyemouth Fort was gifted to the burgh in 1974 by Mrs Home Robertson “for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of Eyemouth”. However, the access to the fort does not form part of the common good asset.

The ground on which the High Street toilet has been constructed was gifted to the burgh in 1971, with no purpose of acquisition stated. Council officers believe that it should be assumed that the property is a common good asset.

Members of Scottish Borders Council will be asked to approve the creation of common good sub-committees for Melrose, Eyemouth and Coldstream at their next meeting on Thursday 29 November.