Social enterprise breathes new life into vacant Galashiels building
Business Minister Tom Arthur has visited a thriving Galashiels social enterprise to find out how their new premises is helping support the regeneration of the Scottish Borders town.
Hike & Bike Hub moved into a derelict town centre property earlier in 2026 allowing the organisation more space to expand its bike hire, maintenance and training services, as well as provide more guided cycle rides and walks.
We have supported the project - having assisted with Hike & Bike Hub’s business plan and a £140,000 grant – alongside Scottish Borders Council, and the local community.
New premises offer new opportunities
- The new location has also helped support their efforts to provide career development opportunities for young adults, including those who are neurodivergent, through training and work experience.
- The move will also see four bunkhouse style rooms created, including one ground-level room which will be wheelchair accessible.
- This accommodation will provide additional income and potential jobs while supporting the local tourism economy.
Hike & Bike Hub
Since being established in 2022 by Angela and George Crow, Hike & Bike Hub have built a strong reputation for combining social impact with support for active travel, tourism and community wellbeing.
The purchase of their new premises has brought a prominent vacant property back into use, contributing to the ongoing regeneration efforts in the town, led by Galashiels Town Team and Galashiels Business Improvement District (BID).
The efforts of Hike & Bike Hub have led to the social enterprise being shortlisted for a South of Scotland Thistle Award in the Best Community Tourism and Events Experience category.
Minister for Business & Fair Work Tom Arthur said:
“Social enterprises are a vital part of our economy and Hike & Bike - and its army of dedicated volunteers - is the perfect example of a local community being not just the focus of a powerful initiative, but the driving force.
“With support from SOSE, Hike & Bike’s new base in Galashiels offers renewed opportunities not just to support the Borders’ thriving biking scene and associated tourism, but to be a focal point and trusted partner for people and businesses across the town and wider region.”
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:
"Hike & Bike Hub is a great example of the kind of ambitious, community-led enterprise that is making a real difference across the South of Scotland.
"The organisation is bringing so much to Galashiels – supporting active lifestyles, helping neurodiverse young people, aiding community regeneration and contributing to the local visitor economy.
“Alongside our partners, we are delighted to be supporting Hike & Bike Hub.”
Angela Crow of Hike & Bike Hub, added:
“Hike & Bike Hub is our passion, and its ongoing success can be attributed to the fantastic support from our local community, partner organisations and funders which we have had since we started.
“We also have a brilliant team of volunteers who give their time, skills and experience to make sure that the services on offer from the Hub give our community what they want.
“This is a hugely exciting time for us, with our plans to redevelop the building, and offer new visitor accommodation in Galashiels, contributing to our longer term viability.
“It will allow us to continue to promote walking and cycling for health, leisure, social inclusion and active travel.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, Executive Member for Economic Growth and Developing the Borders, said:
“The continued growth and success of Hike & Bike Hub has been fantastic to see, and is a great example of how local people and communities can benefit from the South of Scotland being one of Scotland’s leading cycling destinations.
"This Council will continue to work alongside our partners to encourage and enable more people to cycle as part of their daily lives.”