IT'S being hailed as the best thing to hit Galashiels in a generation.

And you could soon be running it.

Leisure and cultural charity Live Borders is looking for a centre director to look after the The Great Tapestry of Scotland.

The attraction is to be housed in a purpose-built centre in the heart of Galashiels with 50,000 visitors each year expected through the door.

Created by renowned writer Alexander McCall Smith, historian Alistair Moffat and artist Andrew Crummy, the Great Tapestry of Scotland tells the country’s story through 160 panels, making one of the largest tapestries in the world.

The new building which will house the Tapestry has been designed by one of Scotland’s leading architectural practices, Page / Park, while the adjacent former Post Office will be re-purposed to bring the B listed building back into use.

There will also be retail, café, educational and temporary exhibition space, as well as an ongoing events and exhibitions programme.

Jane Hogg, commercial director for charity Live Borders, said: “The centre director role for this new visitor attraction, which is planned to open in spring 2020, is a brilliant opportunity for someone with leisure, cultural or hospitality sector experience to open one of Scotland’s newest and most eagerly anticipated tourism destinations.

"This role will play a key part in delivering the target of bringing the 50,000-plus visitors we want to attract to Galashiels, as well working in collaboration with the wider community; we want everyone to be proud of this landmark project.

"The Great Tapestry of Scotland is a phenomenal achievement and this new visitor experience will celebrate the creative talents of the army of 1,000 stitchers, the story of Scotland, and its people; it is a triumph of creativity, skill, community and patience."

Work on the Tapestry building is due to begin this spring.

The visitor attraction is seen as a catalyst for the regeneration of Galashiels.

Experts predict that the centre will attract over 50,000 people to Galashiels each year once opened, as well as create 16 jobs.

Almost £900,000 of extra spending per year is predicted for the local economy, providing 12,000 extra visits to complementary attractions, supporting a further 17 jobs.

Business councillor Mark Rowley said: “The Great Tapestry of Scotland will not only create a national destination visitor attraction and significant community facility in the Borders, it is also playing a key role in the regeneration of Galashiels.

“With the Borders Railway on its doorstep, we also have the prospect of the Tapestry attracting thousands of visitors from Edinburgh to discover the wider Borders.

“The Centre Director is therefore a key and exciting role for the whole of the Borders, providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to work in partnership with community and business groups, Live Borders, the Council and Energise Galashiels Trust to make a real difference in the town and the region.”

The closing date for applications is Friday, February 8.

To request a an application pack email recruitment@Liveborders.org.uk quoting job reference 0377.

Interviews are expected to be held later in February.