A BORDERS MSP has called on councillors to endorse Galashiels as a new tapestry over Tweedbank.

The message was made by Borders SNP MSP Christine Grahame, in a move which could help market Gala as Scotland’s Textile Town for the Great Tapestry of Scotland.

In a message to the leader of Scottish Borders Council, David Parker ahead of next week’s private meeting when the permanent venue for the tapestry seems certain to be decided, Ms Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, said she has always supported the tapestry being located in Galashiels where it would be most sustainable and stimulate wider economic growth.

Earlier Ms Grahame had voiced concerns over the business case which was prepared for the council in support of a purpose-built museum to house the tapestry in Tweedbank.

She said: “I am therefore delighted that Energise Galashiels Trust, Galashiels Community Council, Galashiels Chamber of Trade, Destination Scottish Borders. Duncan Mackinnon Music & Arts Trust and Galashiels ‘Healthy High Streets’ group (comprising Boots, Marks & Spencer, Greggs, Santander and EE) and indeed Calum Kerr, the local MP, have all written to you [Mr Parker] with support for the Galashiels location.”

Ms Grahame also tells the council leader that after all the controversy surrounding the issue, she hopes on Thursday, October 6, that SBC will decide on the Galashiels location which will not only bring economic benefits to the town but also act as a gateway to the wider Borders Textile Trail.

She added: “Taking a leaf out of Wigtown’s book as ‘Book Town’, perhaps this would herald marketing Galashiels as Textile Town”.