THE sale of booze at a leading Borders tourism attraction will add to its appeal, the council’s Licensing Board has concluded.

Members of the board granted a premises licence for the off-sale provision of alcohol in the ground floor retail shop at the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels.

The outlet will now be able to sell local spirits and beers from 10am to 10pm.

John Baxter, the tapestry’s operations manager, said: “We very simply want to sell local spirits and beers within our gift shop, this is very similar to many other visitor attractions up and down the country and many within this council region.”

Galashiels councillor Fay Sinclair said: “I think it’s great to see the offer expanded. As a councillor for Galashiels I think it is a great asset for the town and it is something we should support to enhance that offer for visitors.”

The SNP councillor also asked if there were any plans for on-sale alcohol provision at the centre.

Mr Baxter replied: “Not at this stage, although that would be considered on an individual event basis and applications are likely for occasional licences.”

The police had been consulted on the bid and no objections were raised.