A Positive, Purposeful Boost for the Town This Christmas

As conversations around footfall continue not just here but in towns and cities across the UK, it’s important to recognise the wider landscape. Changing shopping habits, the growth of online retail and the way people now use their leisure time have all shaped how often, and for what reasons, people choose to visit town centres. This is a national shift, not something unique to Galashiels, and many places are exploring new ways to encourage people to spend more time in their local high streets.

In this context, the Galashiels Festive Trail was introduced as a simple, enjoyable and achievable way to bring people into town during a busy and highly competitive festive season. Trails have been widely adopted by other towns and BIDs because research shows they help increase dwell time; encourage people to explore a wider mix of streets and prompt discovery of businesses they may not have noticed before. They’re also family friendly, low cost to take part in and fit naturally into school holidays, weekends and the lead-up to Christmas.

For a newly established BID still in its first few months, the trail offered something that could be delivered quickly while setting a positive tone for future activity. It brings some festive fun to the town, supports businesses across different areas and provides families with a reason to spend time together in Galashiels.

One of the most encouraging responses has come from local schools. Copies of the trail were distributed to them early on, and pupils have already begun taking part. Tweedbank Primary even made a dedicated trip into the town centre specifically to complete the trail. This kind of purposeful visit not only increases footfall but helps build positive early connections between young people and their local high street - something that can carry long-term value for the community.

The Festive Trail is not presented as a complete solution to the wider challenges facing town centres, but it represents a meaningful and thoughtful step. It encourages movement, sparks curiosity and adds a bit of festive energy at a time when people are keen to find activities that are fun, simple and accessible. As it continues through to the end of December, there is still time for more families to get involved. Each completed trail contributes to a stronger sense of engagement and helps lay the foundations for further initiatives as the BID’s work continues into the new year.