BOSSES behind the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels are confident a new visitor centre will open on time - despite building work starting almost six months late.

Demolition of the former Poundstretcher building at the junction of High Street and Channel Street was completed ahead of schedule in the summer.

And project leaders indicated at the time that construction would begin on the new visitor centre in October.

But the tendering process for the construction phase has yet to be advertised - and it's unlikely any firm will be on site until February or March at the earliest.

Despite the behind-the-scenes delays Scottish Borders Council insist the £6.7 million centre will still open in the spring of 2020.

A spokesperson told us: “The Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre is still on course to open in spring 2020, which will aim to kickstart the regeneration of Galashiels and bring a series of economic, social and educational benefits to the town.

“The tendering process for the main construction contract is currently being finalised, and is expected to be published in the coming weeks, with the main works expected to begin in early 2019.”

An independent consultancy firm predicts the new Great Tapestry of Scotland will attract over 50,000 visitors to Galashiels each year.

And, once opened, the centre itself will create 16 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs with a further 17 FTE positions being created in spin off businesses.

The new visitor centre will also spark improvements to Channel Street and Douglas Bridge, and a new Coulter Candy Trail, dedicated to the Galashiels weaver Robert Coltart will be created.

But the project has been met with strong public opposition.

A 3000-strong petition against the original plans to site the attraction in Tweedbank was presented to Scottish Borders Council and hundreds of Borderers regularly take to social media to condemn the cost of the new centre in Galashiels.

Once opened, the new visitor centre in Galashiels will be managed by Live Borders.