Date: Wednesday, 4th February 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: North Berwick Community Centre
Attendance
Present:
Kevin Gibson, Kathy Duncan, Lisa McLure, Brett Walker, Nick McCashin, Kenny Miller, Jamie Govan.
Apologies:
Lauren Cowie, Kirsty Towler, Steve Jones
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- Approval of Minutes – 6th January 2026
Proposed -Brett, seconded – Nick
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2. Matters Arising
Progress with bank
Kevin has completed. Signatories are now Kevin, Kenny, Lisa and Lauren
WC Project Update – Toilets: Kenny thought the application to Changing Places was knocked back due to queries over land ownership and NBCDC’s lack of experience of managing similar projects. Brett is following up with Fire Services control of the piece of land. Agreed the priority is to get use of land and install 2 toilets with NBT funding in the spring. Might look at installing a Changing Places facility at a later date, at the station or elsewhere in NB. Brett suggested the Community Rail Partnership might be able to provide professional advice with plans and building.
Action: Brett/Kenny to develop a cost estimate by spring to be able to apply for funding.
Action: Kevin to discuss with the Ridge whether they could supply the toilets.
WC Project Update – NB Coastal Path Update: Brett is looking at funding from Brown Forbes Memorial Fund (£5k) to cover Phase 2. Phase 3 will cost approx. £40K which could come from Tyne and Esk funding. Brett is also looking into options with NNG / wind farm in the Forth for funding.
Action: Brett to continue looking at funding and discuss with Kevin.
Tom Reid re new Placemaking team / timeframes – Kevin had a very positive meeting with Tom Reid who sees NBCDC as a very credible organisation to take things forward. He has sent plans for the Community Centre but the cost of utilities is still unavailable. Two members of staff are still to be employed.
Courier Article – Nick got the article in the paper and online.
Website launch – Nick launched our website with up to date content (still to add minutes from more than 6 months ago if required but everyone agreed to publish all future meetings as more relevant).
Draft email to send to members – Lisa sent
Signed declarations – Lauren has received all and shredded paper copies.
Mission statement & Vision
Stripe payments account – Kevin and Nick reported it is ready to take online payments but not in use yet.
CCC share plans that have been drawn up – plans have been shared.
Skills audit / matrix – Jamie had circulated prior to the meeting. Currently basic information but everyone can add skills to their own profile. Nick can see details of people in the skool community, their skills and whether they want to help – suggested the two could be linked.
Action: All to check their skill profile and add information.
Action: Jamie to change editing rights.
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3. Strategic streams
Funding and finance – Kevin had sent email with update yesterday. He is due to meet Fisherow tomorrow, the Ridge next week and Fraser Centre when meeting can be rearranged. He would like to meet with Cockenzie House.
Action: anyone who has contact name for Cockenzie House for Kevin to contact.
Portfolio acquisition – Community Centre plans have been passed to Kirsty
Governance – up to date
Skills & resources – See above re Jamie’s skill audit. Lisa met with Doug about the Community Centre and he is going to attend CDC board meeting in April.
Project Delivery – Kathy & Nick attended meeting of Community Centre User Action Group. The group is creating a survey for existing users of the Community Centre and organising an open day (provisional date 22nd March but checking if the building can be opened on a Sunday)
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4. Placemaking Project / Community Centre / Hope Rooms
Wide ranging discussion about how the CDC can work with Community Centre Management Committee to take forward the Community Centre. Some key outcomes needed: Does the CCMC want to work with the CDC? If so, who should take the lead – is the CDC taking on this role or assisting? The CCMC have said they do want to work together and it was agreed that Nick, Lauren, Kathy, Kenny could all be part of a Working Group to take forward the project. Nick reported that the survey on skool showed a strong wish to keep the building and renovate (although it was a very small sample size and no mention of cost to run the building or meeting net zero requirements for the future).
The option to focus on the Hope Rooms as an alternative was discussed, recognising this has an impact on the Youth Project and relates to the council’s feasibility study into relocating the Youth Project to the old nursery building.
Action: Kenny to meet with Nicky to arrange a date for the CDC and CCMC to meet in Feb.
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5. Nick
Nick gave a presentation on how The North Berwick Together skool can be used to build engagement and demonstrate a collective voice for the town. Through the North Berwick Together membership card it can also provide sustainable funding for NBCDC.
Action: All to go onto the platform to familiarise themselves with it.
Action: Nick to circulate presentation and send flyer
Action: All to share skool and website with contacts.
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6. Conflict of Interest
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7. AOCB
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DONM
Wednesday 4th Feb, 7pm, NBCC GP Room
Wednesday 4th March, 7pm, NBCC GP Room