Regeneration

Galashiels regeneration

Latest News

  • 12 November 2019 - Tapestry Centre Director Sandy Maxwell-Forbes is appointed, and opening date of interactive centre confirmed as spring 2021
  • 31 January 2020 - Public given chance to contribute stitch to new Tapestry welcome panel during national tour which kicked off at Marchmont House
  • 22 January 2020 - Launch of new community, business and charity brand for Galashiels, as well as appointment of Community Enterprise Manager Douglas Watt as part of a one year pilot
  • 19 December 2019 - The Coulter’s Candy feature in Galashiels has been completed with the installation of sculptures dedicated two of the lullaby’s main characters
    • the statues of a boy and girl, named Little Jock and Wee Jeannie, are a tribute to Robert Coltart’s world famous children’s lullaby which references both
    • the new additions sit alongside the statue dedicated to Coltart, which was unveiled in September by folk singer Jimmie Macgregor
    • jimmie recorded and performed Coulter’s Candy on national television in the 1950s and 60s, helping to popularise it
  • 8 April 2019 - The next exciting development in the regeneration of Galashiels is a step closer as work gets set to start on creating the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor attraction
  • 6 March 2019 - The first image of the new Coulter’s Candy sculpture has been revealed

What is happening in Galashiels?

A major regeneration of Galashiels is underway, with a number of initiatives being taken forward which aim to transform the town. It aims to capitalise on the success of the Borders Railway, which has presented a series of opportunities for our region.

Who is involved?

The partnership approach, including us, Energise Galashiels Trust, Live Borders and businesses and community groups, will aim to do this through a series of initiatives which will create a number of economic, social and educational benefits to transform the town.

Tapestry to kickstart regeneration

Work is underway on The Great Tapestry of Scotland Visitor Centreset to open in 2021, will be the catalyst for a wider masterplan to reshape the town and encourage investment in Galashiels and the wider Borders economy

The regeneration of Galashiels has the support of the Scottish Government through the Borders Railway Blueprint programme as well as a £1.18m grant from its Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, a proportion of which is being used to part fund streetscape works within the town.