The Edinburgh-headquartered company placed new CCTV cameras in Duns, Eyemouth, Galashiels, Hawick, Kelso, Melrose and Peebles. The cloud-based public space CCTV system supports crime prevention through round-the-clock surveillance and remote monitoring. It also provides real-time data to further support analysis of footfall and traffic, as well as public transport and delivery of other vital services to Scottish Borders communities.
It is the latest upgrade to the region’s digital infrastructure carried out by Commsworld, in collaboration with CGI, for Scottish Borders Council. Commsworld also worked locally with SPG, a Borders-based security and technology company, on installing the new CCTV system.
Previously, Commsworld laid over 20km of fibre cabling to overhaul and upgrade fibre infrastructure, resiliency and capacity to enable gigabit connectivity to council offices and secondary schools. As a result more than 6,200 pupils and their teachers benefited from a ‘next generation network’ capable of delivering speeds 500 times faster than the average UK broadband connection. Commsworld were tasked by CGI to extend the reach of this fibre to allow CCTV to be installed in each town.
Bruce Strang, Chief Operating Officer, Commsworld, said: “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with CGI to deliver a transformative CCTV system for Scottish Borders Council, taking advantage of the fibre installed in the region. The smart system is a huge boost for crime prevention in the Scottish Borders, so people can feel safer as they go about their business. It also provides invaluable real-time data so the council can monitor and improve its services to citizens, meaning it is once more leading the way in rural connectivity.”
Lyndsey Teaz, Vice President, Consulting Services, CGI, said: “Commsworld works side by side with CGI to bring the superfast and highly resilient connectivity needed to run smart, innovative technology such as the new CCTV system in place throughout the Scottish Borders. As one of our most trusted partners, we look forward to continuing to work with both Commsworld and Scottish Borders Council to further boost the region’s smart capabilities.”
Cllr Euan Jardine, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “The new public space CCTV system is a flagship commitment of this administration, and I am proud to see it delivered. From the outset, we made safety, resilience, and smarter services a priority and this investment proves that we are delivering on those promises.
“It is about more than crime prevention. This modern system will support our services with real-time data, help us plan and respond more effectively, and provide lasting benefits to communities right across the Borders. It is a clear demonstration of our commitment to modernising the region and making sure the Scottish Borders remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.”
Cllr Robin Tatler, Scottish Borders Council Executive Member for Public Safety and Resilience, said: “I am delighted to see the implementation of a new CCTV system for the Scottish Borders. This is a vital public safety upgrade and reflects our commitment to modernising safety infrastructure and taking advantage of technology to benefit the wider community and our services.”
Chief Inspector Stuart Fletcher, Local Area Commander for the Scottish Borders, said: "CCTV footage can play a vital role in detecting crime and helping to identify or eliminate suspects. It can also be a major deterrent to potential offenders. If you know you are being filmed, you are less likely to commit a crime. Footage can also be used to support missing person inquiries. We will use all available technology to ensure our communities are safe.”
