A COMMERCIAL law firm is set to become the Galashiels Interchange's first tenant since it opened seven months ago.

Scottish Borders Council has come in for criticism over the commercial viability of the £5.2 million building after it failed to attract any takers for the first and second floor units.

Apart from a pre-opening deal with Born in the Borders to operate the ground-floor café, no other leases have been signed.

Since the official opening on August 6, the 5,500 sq ft upstairs office units have only been used by the Cash for Kids charity in the run up to Christmas as well as hosting conferences.

But this week Davidson Chalmers announced that it will create a regional hub within the Interchange.

The Edinburgh based legal firm has been operating since 1993, and has since grown in size to employ 46 staff, including 11 partners.

The new Borders office will be headed up by Davidson Chalmers partner Andy Drane from St Boswells.

Mr Drane said: “We believe the new rail link is a real game changer for the central Borders which will open it up to new business opportunities.

"We are therefore delighted to be opening this new office in the Galashiels Interchange, a move which represents a natural progression to our long standing commitment to the area and which will enable us to grow our client base here.

“Davidson Chalmers works across a number of core sector areas which are thriving within the Borders, representing a range of clients from individuals to large organisations.

"The new office will help ensure we are ideally placed to do even more to support the growth of the Borders economy. As someone whose family lives in the local area, I’m very excited about having a regular presence here to build upon the solid base we have established within the area.”

Discussions are ongoing with several other companies to join Davidson Chalmers within the Galashiels Interchange.

And further announcements are expected throughout 2016.

A Scottish Borders Council spokesperson said: “There continues to be interest in the Transport Interchange from potential tenants and discussions are ongoing with a number of parties.”

Scottish Borders Council leader David Parker is delighted with the first signing.

He said: “The Galashiels Transport Interchange is a landmark building for Borderers and visitors using the Railway, who have been equally impressed by the facility.

“I am delighted Davidson Chalmers is the first company to move into the Transport Interchange and hope to see other firms take on office space in this attractive building in the near future.”

Facilities at the Interchange include tourist information, bus and train real-time information, toilets and a railway ticket machine, as well as the Born in the Borders café.

It also has showers, changing facilities and bike lockers to promote cycling and walking.