'It's bold, it's bright, it's beautiful' - New mural unveiled in centre of Galashiels
Last updated 4th Apr 2023
A new mural celebrating Galashiels' textiles industry has appeared opposite the town's Tesco store.
Local traders came up with the idea to brighten up the previously bare gable end in the centre of town.
It's the fifth design to be unveiled in four years as part of the Build a Better Gala project, designed to draw more visitors into the area following the opening of the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre.
Debbie Paterson, who's behind the Galashiels Heartland initiative, told Greatest Hits Radio: "The mural's bold, it's bright, it's beautiful; it uses lots of different design techniques to really give something impactful for everybody to enjoy.
"And I think the main prupose behind this, as is everything that Galashiels Heartland focus on, is to just increase the vibrancy of the town and get people feeling just a little more positive about our town centre."
READ MORE: Girl, 13, charged after police called to 'disturbance' at Galashiels Academy
The project, commissioned by local traders group Energise Galashiels, is primarily funded by South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council.
READ MORE: Scotland women's rugby star joins Doddie Weir fundraising challenge in the Borders
Debbie added: "The mural was painted by Global Street Art, and was designed with them as well as members of the community. The focus of this one is around about our textile heritage, and particulary weaving, as Galashiels was a prominent weaving town."
Follow us on Twitter to hear what local shoppers think.
Are you involved in a local project you'd like to tell people about? Email our reporter: ally.mcgilvray@bauermedia.co.uk