Heartland Market Galashiels: what’s on this month, how to get there, celebrating the best of the Borders

Advertisement feature: The Scottish Borders are famous for rugby, textiles, history and heritage – now it’s time to add this hidden gem in Galashiels to the list
This is the hidden gem less than an hour from EdinburghThis is the hidden gem less than an hour from Edinburgh
This is the hidden gem less than an hour from Edinburgh

When Emily McGowan and her fellow founders, Lauren Jamieson and Esther McLuckie, set up the Heartland Market in Galashiels they had a clear vision in mind.

As well as providing something outstanding for the local community, they wanted to attract event more visitors to the quaint Borders town and showcase the area’s artisan makers, bakers and shakers!

By concentrating on top quality stallholders, many based in the Borders, providing produce people would definitely want to buy, they’ve made the monthly market a not-to-be missed event.

Explore the Heartlands: unique market less than an hour from EdinburghExplore the Heartlands: unique market less than an hour from Edinburgh
Explore the Heartlands: unique market less than an hour from Edinburgh

“We wanted something that was wholeheartedly Borders,” said Emily, “and something totally unique.

“We work very hard to make sure we have the right mix of stallholders, but never the same mix each month. We will always have jewellery, ceramics, art, florals and food available, to make for a really good customer experience.

“The first opportunity for stalls always goes to people in Galashiels, then the wider Borders region, then beyond, making sure we attract the best for our visitors.”

What’s on in March

“We’re a bit of a hidden gem … we want people from all over the Lothians and Edinburgh to visit Galashiels and see just how special this is.”“We’re a bit of a hidden gem … we want people from all over the Lothians and Edinburgh to visit Galashiels and see just how special this is.”
“We’re a bit of a hidden gem … we want people from all over the Lothians and Edinburgh to visit Galashiels and see just how special this is.”

The market is always on the first Saturday of every month (apart from July where it moves one week to accommodate the Gala Day). This month’s mouth-watering mixture includes Boxed Delights Bakery, JP Leather Limited, Laura Haining Jewellery, Lisa Ainslie Art, Moncur Knitwear, Selkirk Distillers and Tweed Valley Venison. Find out the full list here.

Why visit

Galashiels, or Gala as it’s colloquially known, has a rich history dating back to the Romans and beyond.

Today’s visitors might enjoy a stroll by the Tweed, a game of rugby at Netherdale, beautiful parks and gardens, a visit to the outstanding Great Tapestry of Scotland and, of course, market day.

Always diverse and packed with fine productsAlways diverse and packed with fine products
Always diverse and packed with fine products

The market in Channel Street is packed with delights but in March and April only, there’s even more to be found – following a funding award by Energise Galashiels Trust, supported by South of Scotland Enterprise and Scottish Borders Council. With family fun for all ages on offer in nearby Bank Street Gardens, there is giant sized Jenga, Twister and crazy golf, making this more than just a shopping trip.

How to get there?

If travelling by car there’s ample free parking throughout the town, or right next to the market for 50p for two hours if you have cash, or 80p for two hours if you use Ringo.

The new Borders Railway connects Gala to Edinburgh in under an hour, and there are regular buses from across the region.

Emily added: “We are so proud of our market and the amazing variety and quality of offer. We’d love people to join us on a day-trip to experience the Heartland Community Market and all it has to offer.

“We’re a bit of a hidden gem … we want people from all over the Lothians and Edinburgh to visit Galashiels and see just how special this is.”

Find out more at theheartlandmarket.co.uk.