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The results of the UK's first Town of Culture 2028 competition have now been announced. More than 400 towns from across the UK entered, with just 15 being shortlisted to progress to the next stage. Unfortunately, Galashiels was not among them this time. While we're naturally disappointed with the outcome, we're incredibly proud of the application we submitted and everything it represented. We'd like to congratulate the 15 shortlisted towns and wish them every success as the c

BID for Galashiels was honoured to be invited to address this year's Galashiels Academy Leavers' Ceremony, recognising the important role our organisation plays not only in supporting today's businesses, but in inspiring the next generation who will one day shape the future of our town. Today's school leavers are tomorrow's business owners, employers, volunteers, community leaders and decision-makers. Investing in that next generation is just as important as supporting the bu

BID for Galashiels' Retail Resilience Pilot is now fully subscribed, with a diverse group of local businesses from across the town preparing to take part. Over the coming months, participants will receive tailored support designed to help them strengthen their businesses, attract more customers and identify practical opportunities for growth. The learning from the pilot will also help shape future support that can be shared more widely with businesses across the BID area. Lea

Fantastic work has been carried out by Jay Hogarty Property to refresh the former Clydesdale Bank building on Galashiels High Street. The building has been transformed into an attractive, modern space offering a range of flexible retail units, all now available to let. To see the fantastic transformation and explore the available units, view 9 High Street here and 11 High Street here. Making the Most of Vacant Space As part of our Vacant Shop Academy project, we're always loo

As BID for Galashiels continues to grow, we're looking to welcome new Directors from levy-paying businesses to join our Board. Our current Board brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and commitment, helping to guide the BID's work and deliver value for levy payers. As the BID's projects and activities continue to evolve, we're looking to strengthen the Board with new voices, fresh perspectives and a broader mix of business experience. Whether you run an independent busines

This year marked the fourth Tangled Galashiels, the fibre and textile festival that has become a key part of the town's events calendar. Celebrating everything from knitting, crochet and weaving to spinning, dyeing, felting and embroidery, the festival attracts makers, artists, craftspeople and visitors from across Scotland, the UK and beyond. Over the course of the weekend, Galashiels welcomed visitors who had travelled from far and wide to take part in workshops, demonstrat

We are launching a new Retail Resilience Pilot Programme for a small number of local businesses who want tailored, practical support to help navigate the current trading climate. We know that trading conditions continue to be challenging for many businesses. While some issues are specific to individual businesses, there are also wider social and economic pressures affecting the retail sector nationally, not just here in Galashiels. Through conversations with businesses, s

This year saw the first dedicated Learning at Work Week delivered by BID for Galashiels - a programme of workshops, events and business support activities developed in response to feedback from our levy payers. Topics included social media marketing, AI, funding opportunities and general business development, with sessions taking place across the town throughout the week. The aim was to provide practical, relevant support in areas businesses told us they wanted help with. It

From the 13th to 20th of June, Galashiels will be taking part in the national Scotland Loves Local campaign, celebrating the businesses and people that make our town special. BID for Galashiels has been working to ensure Galashiels is represented as part of the national campaign, organising a dedicated photo shoot with local businesses which will be used across Scotland Loves Local promotional activity and media coverage. A Scotland Loves Local Takeover Throughout the campaig

We hear you when you talk about the challenges businesses are facing in the current climate, especially small and micro businesses dealing with rising costs, economic uncertainty and changing consumer habits. While BID continues to focus on delivering practical support and investment on the ground for our levy payers, we also recognise that many of these challenges are influenced by wider economic and government-level factors. That’s why Mags and Lewis arranged to meet with J

The Vacant Shops Academy was created to reduce the barriers that can stop businesses taking on commercial premises in Galashiels. From finding suitable properties and arranging viewings to understanding leases and navigating negotiations, the project is designed to make the process easier for both prospective tenants and landlords. The wider aim is to bring more vacant properties back into use, creating a stronger town centre that benefits new and existing businesses, reside

Want to better understand the young people who could become your future employees, apprentices and workforce - while also getting a sneak peek around the new Galashiels Academy? On Friday 5th of June, BID for Galashiels is partnering with DYW Borders and Galashiels Academy to host an invite only business event at the academy from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, with refreshments provided. This event is designed specifically for local businesses and offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a pr

As part of our ongoing Vacant Shop Academy work, BID for Galashiels has been looking at some of the most common questions and misconceptions surrounding business rates, vacant units and the support available to businesses considering town centre premises. Who sets business rates? Business rates are set nationally by the Scottish Government. Scottish Borders Council is responsible for collecting the rates locally, but it does not decide how much businesses pay. How is my busi

Scotland Loves Local Week will take place from 13th to 20th June 2026, celebrating the people, businesses and organisations that help our communities thrive. This year’s theme, Flying the Flag for Local Businesses, encourages people across the country to think local first and recognise the vital role local businesses play in supporting jobs, strengthening communities and keeping our town centres vibrant. We’re delighted to share that Galashiels has been invited to take part i

Tangled Galashiels, the town’s growing fibre festival, returns on 29th and 30th May and is expected to bring thousands of visitors into Galashiels once again. Now in its fourth year, the event has become an important date in the calendar for many local businesses, with shops, cafés and hospitality venues often seeing a significant increase in footfall across the festival weekend. Following feedback from BID levy payers in previous years, we recognised that visitor movement th

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who has shown such enthusiasm and support for Galashiels’ Town of Culture application. The response from businesses, organisations and the wider community has been incredibly encouraging. The working group continues to meet regularly and is actively exploring many of the ideas and opportunities highlighted through the initial consultation process. Alongside this work, attention has also turned towards another significant opportunity for t

Take a look at what BID for Galashiels has delivered in our first year...

Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the ongoing Iran conflict, are impacting global energy markets and creating increased price volatility. What’s happening Electricity prices have risen by around 10 to 30% since late February Gas prices have increased by 25 to 80%, depending on sector and exposure Businesses are directly affected, as wholesale market changes impact renewal rates and future contracts While the domestic price cap offers some protection f

Tangled Galashiels returns on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th May 2026 and is now a key fixture in the Galashiels events calendar. It brings visitors from across the UK and beyond into the town, creating a major opportunity for local businesses. What the event brings Over 1,000 ticket holders, plus additional visitors across the weekend High footfall across the town centre A strong boost for retail, food and drink, and accommodation A spotlight on Galashiels’ rich textile he

The Heartland Awards returned at the end of March and once again proved to be a fantastic success. Now in its fourth year, 2026 was the biggest yet, with the highest number of public votes to date and more businesses nominated than ever before. A clear sign of the strength and support within the Galashiels community. BID for Galashiels was proud to be the main event sponsor, supporting the continued growth of the awards and helping to maximise their impact for the town. Why t