Galashiels firms make festive ‘shop local’ video

The shopowners and workers show that despite the continued challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, there is a festive spirit in the town this Christmas,

In the video, they are shown going from shop to shop, giving gifts in a festive chain of goodwill.

With funding from Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the trust created the ‘12 Days of Christmas in Galashiels’ film to promote the shop local message.

Debbie Paterson, Energise Galashiels Trust volunteer, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the response to the film, both from the businesses who took part and the public who have been watching and commenting on it.

“So many people have been surprised by the range of shops we have within our town centre and are now planning to shop local as a result.”

Independent retailers have been hit hard by the pandemic, with footfall on Scotland’s high streets plummeting since March.

While the Borders remains in Covid protection Tier 2, with travel to Tier 3 cities restricted, there is an opportunity for local people to rediscover the region’s high streets.

The festive focus is part of the wider Love Galashiels campaign that the trust is running from September to December, which highlights the town’s shops and services via the Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Facebook and Instagram channels.

To view the film, visit www.galashielsheartland.org.uk