Looking Forward in Gala with Energise Galashiels Trust

That the Parliament welcomes the confirmation of £300,000 of funding from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to Energise Galashiels Trust in 2021 to enable the next phase of the economic regeneration of Galashiels; understands that it will support the Trust’s upcoming Vibrant Gala plan by funding a series of activities, including the creation of two new posts and the development of a Tapestry Way through the town, to complement the opening of the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor attraction later in the year; notes that the aims of the plan are to improve the appearance and vibrancy of Galashiels town centre and capitalise on the potential benefits of the tapestry visitor centre and the Borders Railway by fostering community-led projects and improvements, including murals, sculptures, banners and an art trail, as well as assisting the town's marketing and digital offering with further development of the Heartland of the Borders website, a shop local campaign and potentially a customer loyalty card, and providing digital training for small business owners; thanks the volunteers, staff and community involved in this project for all their hard work, and looks forward to seeing the positive effects on Galashiels.