Local news

We’re pleased to report that the Duns Local Place has now been submitted to Scottish Borders Council for formal approval.

Community support for the Local Place Plan

The Local Place Plan has been drafted on the basis of a community survey in 2024, that sought out
opinions from people in different community segments, particularly the most vulnerable. The
survey gained feedback through public meetings, focus groups, online surveys and visits to
schools. Approximately 300 people took part in this process.

The findings from the survey were presented to community members through a further series
of public events, focus groups and an online feedback form, in order to confirm whether the
findings resonated with community members. The LPP has been drafted using the findings
from the main survey that met the strongest support in the follow-up process. The first draft
of the LPP was amended following feedback from SBC planning departments and
community stakeholders who were identified and sought out as missing voices.

The survey found that people want Duns to flourish as a multi-generational town where
families thrive together, and where people can grow old with dignity near to their loved
ones. While achieving equity is a goal of many smaller projects, aspirational growth projects
are also seen as essential for sustaining and building on the gains made through the smaller
projects.

Duns people identified several key assets that are important to Duns now and are likely to be
important to Duns in the future. They said they love the town park and the Duns Castle
grounds. People are proud of the history, the historic buildings, the community swimming
pool, the open and pleasant Market Square, Reiver’s Week and the Jim Clark Rally, among
other things. The Keep Duns Blooming Marvellous team got special recognition for their
tireless efforts.

With so much to offer, people need better information and signs to know what they can do
in Duns. Attractions, amenities and pathways need to be well maintained, publicised, and
more accessible for residents, for people in nearby villages, and for visitors from further
afield. Top concerns include limited public transport, lack of informal activities for young
people, opportunities for housing, careers and adult education, and a call to rejuvenate
neglected town spaces.

Download the Duns Local Place Plan Here >

The work was carried out by the Duns Community Led Planning Team, and you can find out more about them here: https://dunsclp.uk/#About-DunsCLP