Who are we?

Paul Nichol, Chairperson

Paul is semi-retired, balancing his time between being a full-time carer and as many other activities as he can cram into a day, especially running and Open University.

Paul has previously had careers in Financial Services, Local / Central Government and Electrical Engineering Technology.

Paul has been on the Access Panel for 4 years and is passionate about making Tweeddale a more accessible place with his main focus being on premises, housing and roads.

Frank Drummond, Secretary

Since taking early retirement from a career in local government, Frank has volunteered in various capacities, helping out (pre- Covid) at the John Buchan Centre and at the Osprey Watches in Glentress Wild Watch Centre and Kailzie Gardens, as well as doing some voluntary work with older people.

When not volunteering, he enjoys playing with Strumash (the Peebles Ukulele Orchestra), attending lip-reading classes and learning Finnish.

He joined Tweeddale Access Panel in 2009. He became Secretary in 2017, and it was around this time he developed a fairly significant hearing loss.

Elaine Thomson, Ordinary Member

I have lived in peebles most of my life came back to live here in 1998

Parshally sighted for 3 years, I run a visually imparement  group in peebles. This is for anyone with visual problems in peeblesshire and surrounding areas.  I am also a connect lead with RNIB  scotland and in 2021, chairman of peebles flower club.  I have been a member of tweeddale access panel for 2 years

Robin Tatler, Attendee

Councillor Robin Tatler represents the Tweeddale East Ward on Scottish Borders Council and is an Ex-Officio member of Tweeddale Access Panel. Before being elected Robin had a 20 year career as a professional fundraiser for a variety of local, national and international charities. A community activist, he is a former chair of Peebles Community Council and was active in the formation of Peebles Community Trust. Robin is an active volunteer for The Food Foundation, based at the Victoria Park Centre in Peebles.

Volunteer

Volunteers can be individuals with disabilities, people representing disability organisations, or others who simply have an interest in disability or have relevant experience which they can bring to the group.

If you are interested in joining Tweeddale Access Panel, or would just like to know more about us and what is involved contact us by email at tweeddaleap@gmail.com