The rugby legends were attending the launch of the new Tomorrow’s People store on Channel Street. The shop will offer high quality recycled furniture, clothes and other household items and will provide work experience for young people connected with the charity. Tomorrow’s People is a national charity that works within local communities to help disadvantaged young people with training and employment.

Galashiels Works! is a 10 week locally based programme that helps unemployed 16-24 year olds in isolated rural areas to find new opportunities and work. The programme was set up in 2013 and is celebrating its 100th graduate this week.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph, Gavin Hasting said: “I have many fond memories of playing rugby in the Borders -and the celebrations we used to have afterwards! Galashiels is a great town, but it has struggled recently, like many other small towns across Scotland.

“Shop closures seem to be the current trend, so it’s great to be here for a shop opening.

“Not only will the new store help to fund Tomorrow’s People programmes, both in The Borders and beyond, but the shop will also provide a space where young people can train to go on to work in retail.

“As a business owner myself I know that employing young people can inject a fantastic energy into a company and the work Tomorrow’s People is doing to bridge the skills gap and develop work ready young people is beneficial to all involved. ” Martin Brookes, CEO of Tomorrow’s People said: “Our retail stores operate within local communities to support our programmes and generate valuable funding to allow the work that we do. The shops simultaneously provide training and volunteering opportunities for participants. The opening of the new store will complement the work we’ve been doing in Galashiels over the last two years.

“This is part of a growing commitment to the area. This is a big step for us, and hopefully it demonstrates our support for the Borders and the young people who face difficult lives in the region.

“It shows, we hope, that we want to be part of any plan to regenerate the area, as well as delivering on our mission. So we aim to be here for some time.”