
Your Board of Directors
... because building a better Galashiels is everyone's business
BID for Galashiels is overseen by a voluntary Board of Directors representing a selection of levy paying businesses.
Lewis Roden, Chair
Mitchell Glass

Witnessing Galashiels flourish, winning awards and achieving growth, has been a source of pride. Now, as funding winds down, there's a real risk of losing this progress. My dedication, both personally and through Mitchell Glass, is driven by the desire to see our town continue thriving. The successful BID is a crucial step in sustaining and enhancing Galashiels' prosperity.
Angela Buglass Kelly, Vice Chair
The Vintage Besoms

I love Galashiels! I feel passionately about what the town has to offer and the people in it. It’s hard to describe eloquently but I just have energy and motivation for helping Galashiels to thrive. I’m an incomer and I’ve only been in business here for 18 months, but I can’t remember the last time I felt so impassioned about something. I am excited to join the Board of Directors and put my 'new to town' perspective, along with the skills from my previous corporate role, to good use as we work to build a better Galashiels.
Helen Calder
The Salmon Inn

Everyone who knows me will know that I am passionate about our town and have worked tirelessly on many projects and events across the years. I am delighted to be joining the Board of Directors of BID for Galashiels and will continue to work hard to give back to our deserving community. BID For Galashiels gives us the opportunity to shape the town’s future; adopting contemporary ideas and approaches to deliver both economic and social benefits. I can’t wait to get started!
Jay Hogarty,
Jay Hogarty Property Ltd

As a property developer who has acquired premises in Galashiels, the old Clydesdale Bank, I am keen to add value to the local community and support the re-invention of the town centre. In my previous role with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, I worked in and around Galashiels for many years, so I have an understanding of the town’s challenges and opportunities. I bring experience of a 25 year career focused on strategy, income generation and leading change management. I am thrilled to be joining the BID for Galashiels Board and working with my fellow Directors to deliver for the town.
Andy Hay,
The Explorer Group (Starbucks)

I am personally invested in Galashiels. Not only do I oversee operations of the Starbucks business in the area but my Mum & Dad live in Gala and have called the town home since 2004. Gala was voted one of the happiest place to live in Scotland for the second time in 2024, which is a fine achievement, but more can be done to support the local traders, residents and visitors to the area. I would like to be part of that change.
Luigi Caterina
TIJ

I have been living in the Borders for 24 years, with my business here for 13 years. I remember the times when Gala was much busier and look forward to working with BID for Galashiels to make that happen again. It’s time for new ideas and new people to step up and make Galashiels thrive again. All of the people of Galashiels deserve a better, more vibrant town. I am excited to be part of that change.
Deborah Fuller
Wetherspoons

Wetherspoons is proud to support the BID for Galashiels project. On a personal note, I have spent the last 10 years as a manager at Hunters Hall, and love my job. I am a Borderer through and through and love working with the community; holding events and quiz nights and providing meeting spaces for local groups and charities. I see the evidence of what strong community links can do for both the business and the community we serve. It saddens me to see the decline of the high street and seeing businesses struggle, particularly in the night time economy sector. BID for Galashiels will provide a much needed boost for our town and I am excited to be part of that.
Tam Denholm
Project Nero

Galashiels is not only my home, but also the head office for my business. I am deeply committed to supporting and growing the local economy in Galashiels. Joining the Board of BID for Galashiels gives me the opportunity to contribute my experience, insights, and enthusiasm to fostering collaboration and growth among businesses in Galashiels. I am particularly eager to support initiatives that enhance the visibility and success of our business community, ensuring Galashiels remains a thriving and dynamic place to live and work.
Lauren Jamieson
The Colourful Edit

Born and raised in Galashiels in the 1980/90s I have fond memories of the local community, independent stores and the welcoming nature of the townspeople. It was a super place to grow up, with the seasonal weather, green spaces and fun activities. My 2000s were spent travelling the world, building a career and taking up citizenship in Australia where I spent over ten years. When our first child was born, my hubby and I decided to come back and raise our kids in the Scottish Borders. And so we came HOME to Galashiels. We are happy to live in Galashiels where we support our local community by shopping small, exploring our rolling countryside and green spaces, attending our community markets and festivals and taking part in local sporting clubs. We strive to give our children a creative, considered and outdoorsy life. I've built up my own business where I empower local women to feel confident, I brand build small businesses from the ground up, co-found The Heartland Market and work with Heriot-Watt University in engaging the Students in the local community. I'm a connector. And a supporter of good. I am delighted to join the Board of BID for Galashiels. Let's continue to see Galashiels shine.
Sebastian Janus
Cullen Kilshaw

I am thrilled to be joining the Board of BID for Galashiels. Living in Innerleithen and working in Galashiels, I have developed strong ties to the community in Galashiels. I am passionate about supporting local enterprises and fostering vibrant, sustainable communities. Joining the board of directors for Galashiels aligns perfectly with my commitment to promoting local businesses, driving economic growth, and enhancing community resilience.
Cllr Euan Jardine,
Leader, Scottish Borders Council
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Cllr Euan Jardine is the current Councillor for the Galashiels and District Ward. He was first elected in 2017 where he held the role of Executive Member for Wellbeing, Sport, and Culture. He was re-elected in May 2022 and then became the leader of Scottish Borders Council. Eaun is delighted to be joining the Board of BID for Galashiels and committed to helping facilitate delivery of the BID Business Plan.