A NEW exhibition looking at the forgotten shops of Hawick has been launched in the town’s museum.

 At the start of the 1950s, Hawick had around 250 shops, from small corner shops to High Street department stores. This exhibition takes a look back at these shops through photographs, video and memorabilia, providing a chance to take stock of change and remember a different way of life.

 A long mural of the High Street shops in 1973, based on photographs taken at the time, forms a centrepiece. There is also a video of still photographs of over 50 old businesses, covering a century, with information on each photo.

 Also on display is a collection of colourful billheads from old local businesses. Labels from local whisky and beer bottles, many with the Turnbull’s brand name, feature prominently.

 The Hawick Co-op, which began in 1839 and had shops all over the town, has its own section. Toys from the 1960s, bought at Pairkie Aathings, a ‘weel kent’ local fancy goods shop, are on display as well as ceramic bottles with old shop names, hats by local hatmakers and printed memorabilia.

 The exhibition is also the launch for a new DVD on the subject, called High Street Shops, Past and Present (part one). The DVD, by Eric Scotland and Gordon Gilfeather, presents a picture of Hawick’s busy and prosperous High Street as it was, with a voiceover by local shops expert Stuart Bouglas.

 Forgotten Shops of Hawick is now open and runs until Thursday, December 24. Opening times are Monday to Friday 12noon to 3pm and Sunday 1pm to 3pm. Admission is free.