For the Archibalds, the family behind the latest addition to Innerleithen High Street, some opportunities are just too good to resist. Pauline Archibald (pictured) recently opened the Hub on the High Street, a high-quality gift shop in the heart of the town – although that is only half of her plan for the new business.
Pauline, her sister-in-law Marie and husband Danny are already well known in the area as owners of Headcases hair studio – which operates a salon in Penicuik and one inside Peebles Hydro – as well as running a busy holiday let in Innerleithen itself.
Already with plenty of experience in tourism having worked in the industry overseas for many years, Pauline knows all about how to welcome visitors to an area. “When the building came up for sale, we knew it would be perfect for what we had in mind,” she explained.
Staffed together with friends Carmel Scott and Hayley Cameron, the emphasis is very much on showcasing bespoke products from local producers, artists and manufacturers. One corner of the shop is devoted to a range of craft gins from the likes of Lilliard, Holyrood Gin, Selkirk Distillers, Kerr’s and Gin Bothy, plus beers from Born in the Borders, Traquair and Tempest Brewery, and mixers and soft drinks from Bon Accord. Nearby there are condiments from Damn Good Jam and chocolates from Ruby and Cocoa.
The shop also brims with local arts and crafts, with art, gift cards and gin lamps from Lesley Johnson Shedio Art, wool art and cards from Juniper Cards, handmade gifts from Phabulous Pheasant, pictures from Inspired by Tweed, candles from Carol’s Creations and Love Scottish Candles, plus soaps and shampoos from The Soap Farm.
Other local items include bike accessories from Wee Cog, canvasses from Ian Linton Photography, slate art from Hatch, Burn, Carve, recycled items from Recycled Vegan and cards from artist Mary Kenny.
Meanwhile, those who have visited the craft workshops at Traquair will also recognise the handmade jewellery and leather craft from Centaur Design, plus quirky violin clocks made by Kenneth McQueenie from his Driftwood Studio.
“High Streets are known to be struggling up and down the country and now people are looking for more bespoke, one-off gifts – it’s gone back to supporting local again,” explained Pauline. “We felt Innerleithen was ready for a shop like this where you can pick up small gifts and save a trip further afield. We’d like the shop to be for Innerleithen, as well as for visitors.”
But the gift shop is just one part of the plan for the building. As Pauline explained, it will soon also include a visitor centre with an accompanying website where local businesses will be able to advertise what’s on offer in the area – from cafés, restaurants and activities to accommodation, sights and attractions.
“We’ve got so much going on locally and we need to let people know that this is such a great place to visit and spend more time in.”
Further info
The Hub on the High Street is at 33 High Street, Innerleithen. The shop is open seven days a week: 10am-6pm, Mon-Sat; 12am-5pm, Sun. For more information, including for businesses keen to be involved in the new visitor centre, contact Pauline or Carmel on 01896 209012.