TWO local business are toasting a terrific tie-up in the run to Christmas.

Galashiels restaurant and deli, Turnbull's, is hoping the beer will flow throughout the festive season after agreeing to become the official outlet for Tweedbank's award winning Tempest Brewery.

The partnership, which will see Tempest's prize-winning ales on sale at the High Street deli, was launched during Small Business Saturday.

And amongst the first to raise a glass to the deal was local MSP Paul Wheelhouse.

Paul told us: "It is excellent news that two successful businesses are supporting each other."

Since moving to Tweedbank from Kelso, Tempest Brewery has accrued numerous trade and business awards, including Scottish Brewery of the Year.

Family firm Turnbull's dates back over 160 years.

And Ross Irvine, the great, great, great-grandson of founder James Turnbull, believes the Tempest Brewery range will boost his company's already brisk off-sales trade.

Ross said: "We were looking to expand the drinks and alcohol side of the business.

"We already sell our own Turnbull's whisky and Tempest didn't have a retail outlet in Galashiels, so it seemed like the perfect partnership."

Since expanding to Galashiels just over three years ago from Hawick, Turnbull's has enjoyed a boost from the return of the Borders Railway.

And Mr Irvine predicts a continued healthy town centre trade despite the recent economic difficulties.

He added: "The three-and-a-half years in Galashiels haven't been without their difficulties but overall I would say it has been a successful time for us.

"The response from local people has been excellent since we arrived.

"We expanded to Galashiels because of the railway and it has provided the results we had hoped for."

Small Business Saturday celebrated the goods and services of the 350,000 small businesses in Scotland.

While Paul Wheelhouse was enjoying a beer in Galashiels, fellow MSP Rachael Hamilton was catching up with Christmas shopping in Melrose.

She also contributed to a weekend debate praising the benefits small business brings and highlighting Kelso country clothing firm A Hume for embodying the spirit of small businesses.

Rachael said: "The Scottish Borders has a wonderful array and variety of small businesses that offer something unique.

"We must not forget what we have on our doorstep and continue to support it by shopping locally and supporting our local economies.

"Being small can lead to an inferiority complex, particularly for men, but that is not the case for thousands of businesses that are participating in small business Saturday—they love small, and they love being different.

"I was delighted to come to Melrose and show my support."