Warm welcome as Galashiels holds first Pride march
Galashiels drew praise this week after hosting its first Pride march, an event organisers and councillors described as welcoming and successful for the town’s businesses and community groups.
The event, held on Saturday 29 August, saw approximately 500 people take part in the parade while around 800 people passed through the doors of the Volunteer Hall, organisers told a meeting of Galashiels Community Council on Wednesday 2 September.
| Date | Parade participants | Volunteer Hall visitors |
|---|---|---|
| 29 August | ~500 | ~800 |
Local organisers and councillors report positive feedback
Cllr Fay Sinclair, who was one of the event organisers, reported that the feedback from visitors emphasised the cordial reception they received in Galashiels. She told the community council there had been a "real local buy-in" and that visitors had found the town friendly.
"The feedback we've had from people visiting the town was how welcoming it was and how much they really enjoyed being in Galashiels and everyone was very friendly."
Members of the community council responded with applause on hearing the account, reflecting cross-community recognition of the event’s significance. Angela Crow, chair of Galashiels Community Council, said it highlighted what residents feel about the town and suggested the occasion would raise Galashiels’ profile nationally.
Footfall and local economy
Councillor Sinclair also told the council that local businesses reported higher footfall on the day of the march. While precise figures for economic benefit were not provided, the combination of a parade and a well-attended Volunteer Hall suggests a notable surge in visitors for a single-day community event.
For towns such as Galashiels, events that attract visitors from beyond the immediate area can provide short-term revenue for retailers, hospitality outlets and market traders, as well as helping to demonstrate the town centre as a destination for future visits and events.
Community identity and profile
Community leaders framed the Pride march as more than a one-off celebration. By placing Galashiels on a national profile, according to the community council chair, the event served to reflect the town’s values to a wider audience. Councillors and organisers emphasised the importance of a local response and citizen engagement in making the event visible and well received.
Those involved said the success was attributable to participation across the town, volunteer coordination and a readiness among businesses and residents to welcome visitors. The applause at the community council meeting was an immediate indicator of municipal approval for the way the event was organised and received.
Next steps and potential consequences
While no formal commitments or future dates were announced at the community council meeting, the positive reception reported by organisers and business owners will be material to any decisions about repeat events. For civic leaders and local traders considering the calendar for 2027 and beyond, the town now has a recent example of an event that combined cultural celebration with an influx of visitors.
- Attendance: around 500 marchers and 800 Volunteer Hall visitors
- Community response: applause at the council meeting and public praise for local welcome
- Economic effect: businesses reported increased footfall on the day
The first Pride march in Galashiels appears to have achieved its immediate aims of visibility and celebration while also producing tangible benefits for local traders. For town leaders, the challenge will be to build on that momentum in ways that sustain community engagement and realise longer-term cultural and economic gains for Galashiels.
