What’s Coming Up in 2026

We are not yet a full year into the BID, but the momentum built so far is already shaping a promising year ahead. The response to our Christmas activity has shown how much can be achieved when businesses and partners work together, and that sense of collaboration will continue to guide us into 2026.

Here’s what’s coming up so far:

• Eyebright Utilities continuing, helping businesses reduce their utility costs. Many businesses are already benefiting from savings, and there will be more opportunities for support in the year ahead.

• A strengthened partnership with Police Scotland, including the launch of a Galashiels Shop Watch scheme to support safety, communication and closer working across the town centre.

• Marketing Galashiels to a wider audience, building on our place identity, Galashiels: Heartland of the Borders. The BID is now the steward of this brand, working to raise the town’s profile and extend its reach with visitors in 2026.

• Supporting the development of more events in and for the town.

• Progress on vacant units through the Vacant Shop Academy project, exploring temporary and long-term uses, working with landlords and partners, and acknowledging how important addressing empty spaces is for the businesses already trading in the town.

• A new BID team role, giving us greater capacity to deliver projects, support businesses and increase activity throughout the year.

• We are also looking at introducing a Business Support Workshop in early 2026, following feedback from levy payers.

All of this builds on the same theme that shaped our Christmas programme: partnership. The progress made so far has been possible because businesses, organisations and the community are working together, and that collective effort will continue to be at the heart of everything the BID delivers in 2026.