New head takes over Live Borders at ‘pivotal time’

A new chief executive has been announced at a leisure and sport trust in the Borders where consultants have recommended a string of site closures and job cuts.

Catriona McAllister will take over the post at Live Borders – which was advertised with an annual salary of up to £99,000 – in the summer.

Bill Douglas, who chairs the organisation, said she was joining them at a time of “change, renewal and growth”.

Ms McAllister said she was excited to take on the role at such a “pivotal time”.

Live Borders runs a range of leisure, sport and cultural facilities on behalf of Scottish Borders Council (SBC).

However, last year it needed £2.5m of additional local authority funding – on top of a £4.8m management fee – to keep services operating.

A report by consultants has recommended shutting a number of facilities – including swimming pools and libraries – and cutting more than 50 full-time posts.

SBC has promised “robust” consultation over the proposals.

Ms McAllister is returning to Scotland after eight years in Jersey where she is currently working as head of regulatory improvement for the government.

She said: “The recently published review has highlighted both challenges and opportunities, and I am committed to leading Live Borders through this service transformation programme with clarity, collaboration, and ambition.

“Working closely with staff and engaging with the community, we will navigate this journey together ensuring that everyone in the Scottish Borders can benefit from a culturally rich and active lifestyle that enhances quality of life.

“Alongside the new chair and the board, I am committed to supporting the team through this unprecedented period of change, with a strong focus on staff development, service improvement and equity of access at the heart of everything we do.”

The previous permanent chief executive of Live Borders, Ewan Jackson, retired at the end of 2023 with the post filled on an interim basis after that by Jill Franks.