BID for Galashiels

16/10/2026

Our October Newsletter is out now!

Inside, we’re sharing the positive news that shop vacancies in Galashiels have dropped by 3% and how our BID for Galashiels Vacant Shop Academy has played a part in this, revealing our plans for this year’s FREE Family Halloween Event (plus a sneak peek at Christmas 2026!), and updating you on what we’re doing about parking charges in the town centre, and more...

Why this matters: Our monthly updates keep levy-payers regularly informed on key BID projects, provide access to Board minutes, and give businesses the opportunity to respond, engage and have their say.

Read it here: https://mailchi.mp/6630d2278082/latest-updates-12936051

15/10/2026

BID for Galashiels were excited to have the Galashiels living Christmas tree planted in Bank Street Gardens this week.

Following Scottish Borders Council’s withdrawal of funding for cut Christmas trees, the BID Board wanted to find a lasting solution. Bringing in a cut tree each year costs thousands of pounds, and was environmentally unsound. We decided to put that investment into a tree that can stay here, grow here, and become part of the life of Galashiels.

For us, it’s about making a more sustainable choice and making good use of the money that local businesses contribute to the BID.

The new tree is expected to grow by around half a metre a year. We hope that, in years to come, families will look back and remember when it was planted, and enjoy watching it grow alongside their children and grandchildren.

We also see this as a gathering place throughout the year. There are opportunities to bring people together around the tree at Easter, for remembrance, and for other community occasions. We’ll be publishing a suggested calendar of activities, and we’re looking forward to seeing that develop with community input.

For Christmas this year, we’ll be adopting one of the established trees already growing in Bank Street Gardens. It will have lights and decorations as usual, and we’re very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to the grand switch-on on the twenty-first of November.

This isn’t simply a Christmas tree for 2026. It’s a tree for 2036, 2046 and, we hope, many decades beyond.

Here’s to watching it grow, alongside our town. 💚

The first community living Christmas tree is planted in the Scottish Borders in Galashiels.

14/10/2026

Love this 🏁🚲❤️

08/10/2026

This month’s Golden Broom goes to S&P Renewables!

Congratulations to the team at S&P Renewables on Channel Street, the latest recipients of BID for Galashiels’ Golden Broom award.

Their shop always looks wonderfully clean, clear and inviting, with a well-presented frontage that helps our town centre look its best. Thank you for the care and pride you put into your premises!

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind those sparkling windows, S&P Renewables helps homeowners and businesses explore greener energy options, including solar panels, battery storage and air source heat pumps. Their Galashiels showroom is a handy place to pop in and find out what could work for you.

Well done to everyone at S&P Renewables - a thoroughly deserved Golden Broom! 👏

06/10/2026

A big thank you to everyone who came along to our Volunteer Event at Gala Rugby Club over the weekend.

So much of what happens in Galashiels is powered by volunteers, giving their time, skills and energy to make a difference in our town. Even our own BID Board is entirely volunteer-led.

That contribution is hugely important. It deserves to be celebrated, supported and built upon so that even more people can play a part in making Galashiels a great place to live, work and visit.

The event was delivered in partnership with Energise Galashiels Trust - EGT, Galashiels Community Council and Galashiels Town Team.

Why this matters: Collaboration helps us make better use of local knowledge, resources and connections, supporting a stronger and more connected Galashiels.

06/10/2026

We’re at lovely Bulldog Bakes this morning, 10am–12pm!

At this month’s drop-in we’re focusing on visibility - with some great free resources to share.

Pop in, say hello and have a chat about all things BID.

Bulldog Bakes

05/10/2026

The BID for Galashiels team have been busy elves behind the scenes, working to bring Christmas cheer to the town!

Save the date - Saturday 21st of November - for A Festive Gala

More details coming soon - but for now, mark those calendars… because this is where Christmas comes together in Galashiels.

03/10/2026

This Tuesday! Our next Business Support drop-in is all about visibility.

Is your business easy to find? From your Google profile to your shop window, small changes can make a big difference to who walks through your door or buys from you online.

Pop into Bulldog Bakes any time between 10 and 12 for a relaxed chat, practical tips and free resources. No need to book, just bring your questions.

📅 Tuesday 6 October, 10am-12pm
📍 Bulldog Bakes, Channel Street
💷 Free



Galashiels Heartland of the Borders
Bulldog Bakes

02/10/2026

Galashiels businesses, it’s time to get Galawe’en ready!

Galawe’en is a free, family-friendly Halloween event taking place on the upper pedestrian area of Channel Street on 31st October, from 11am-2pm. Organised by BID for Galashiels.

To help make the town feel suitably spooky for the occasion, we’d love businesses across Galashiels to get involved by decorating their windows and adding a few Halloween touches.



Galashiels Heartland content and management of the brand is funded by BID for Galashiels, with thanks to levy-payers for continuing this asset for the town.