This month I would like to share with you an extract of the submission I entered for the Community Pride category of ‘Let’s Celebrate Towns’, a UK-wide competition delivered by Visa in partnership with Nationwide, supported by the British Retail Consortium.
“Galashiels brings people together because community pride is woven into everything we do as a town — our culture, partnerships, regeneration activities and everyday interactions. Pride in Galashiels is not abstract; it is lived, shared, and visible. It shows up in the way people volunteer, the way organisations collaborate, and the way residents champion our town’s achievements. This deep sense of belonging is what makes Galashiels a powerful contender for Let’s Celebrate Towns 2026, and it was the foundation of our Town of Culture ambitions.
Community pride in Galashiels has grown stronger over decades. In 2023, the town earned national recognition through the SURF Awards and the Scotland’s Towns Partnership Awards, achievements that validated the hard work of local groups and volunteers.
The Town Team, BID for Galashiels, Energise Galashiels Trust and the Community Council play a central role in building our community pride. Made up of volunteers, businesses, and community organisations, these groups work tirelessly to improve the town, support events, and champion local identity. Their projects—from planting to murals, markets, and seasonal celebrations—give residents visible reminders that people care deeply about their town. Every improvement becomes a point of pride, a sign that Galashiels is moving forward together.
The Heartlands Awards further reinforce Galashiels’ reputation as a place where community pride drives progress. These awards celebrate businesses, individuals and volunteers for whom the community vote, ensuring that local people are celebrated by local people. This year, 150 volunteers from organisations across the town will be invited to attend the inaugural volunteer celebration to thank them for their ongoing efforts in running sports clubs, managing community groups, and looking after the town.
What truly sets Galashiels apart is the everyday pride shown by our people. Community groups, charities, schools, and businesses consistently work together. Events like The Heartland Market, the annual Braw Lads Gathering, cultural festivals, sessions at MacArts (voted Scotland’s Best Small Independent Venue), heritage activities, and seasonal celebrations create shared moments that strengthen belonging. Galashiels, home to the Great Tapestry of Scotland, celebrates its textile history, its growing arts scene, and its commitment to accessible cultural activity
Galashiels is a town where we show up for each other. We celebrate successes, support local initiatives, and take ownership of our shared spaces. Pride is not passive—it is active, visible, and contagious.
Ultimately, Galashiels builds pride because we build community. Our awards, cultural ambitions, place planning, and partnerships all point to the same truth: Galashiels succeeds when our people work together. That is why our town stands out, why it continues to grow, and why it deserves to be celebrated in 2026.”
Even if we are not successful with this submission, I wanted to share this with you as a reminder, if one was needed, of why we should be proud of our town.
Planters – some of you may have seen the Facebook post about the future of the town centre planters. In short, the Community Council own them, must seek funding every year to cover planting costs and they are maintained by volunteers. We can’t keep managing them as has happened in the past, so we are looking for ideas as to what we do with them going forward. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch.
Tour-de-France July 2027 – This month, the working group continued to expand, and those present discussed some practical options for the town to consider including in the Tour de France celebrations, whilst being mindful that is also the Braw Lads Gathering week. What a week we are going to have to showcase our town to the world!
If you would like more information about what we are doing as your Community Council, or if you have an issue with which you think that we might be able to help, please get in touch by emailing galacommunitycouncil@gmail.com
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 7th October at 6.30pm in the Burgh Chambers.
Angela Crow
Chair, Galashiels Community Council
