Meeting of the Parliament 17 December 2025
I, too, congratulate the member on securing the debate and wholly endorse the vital role of small businesses in sustaining the town centre and local economy. They are embedded in communities and support local events, football clubs and charities. They come in all shapes and sizes: shops, cafes, takeaways, pubs, manufacturers, a local cinema, a bingo hall—and that list is not exhaustive. Many survived the Covid years, which was tough going, and I thank them all for that. From Peebles to Penicuik and from Galashiels to Gorebridge, small businesses give our towns local employment and their character.
In passing, I note the exchanges on the issue of revaluations, which has been raised by my constituents. I am pleased that the Public Audit Committee is already initiating an inquiry, that the minister is on the case and that there is a willingness to work together across the parties. I welcome that, but I also gently remind the Opposition that there was once co-operation between the Conservatives and the SNP in here, which brought about the small business bonus scheme, meaning that some businesses pay no rates at all. Those were good days.
There are particular challenges in Gala and Penicuik, both of which have major supermarkets right on their doorsteps—Tesco and Asda in Gala, and Tesco and Lidl in Penicuik. However, I am not bashing supermarkets. They have their place, but their arrival has changed those town centres, although the town centre businesses are fighting back.
In Gala, the first festive gala was on Saturday 29 November, with live performances, markets, creative activities and the grand tree light-up. The gala brought a real sense of energy, with thousands of people choosing to spend their day in the town centre, which translated into meaningful support for local businesses. Indeed, many enjoyed an exceptional trading day, with several reporting record takings. There is an endeavour now to replicate that at different times of the year.
Penicuik town centre precinct hosts many local events. There is a very active community council that runs regular street fairs, summer fairs, the pumpkin patch and, of course, the biggest event of the year—the Christmas fair and Christmas lights switch-on. It is a great opportunity for local businesses to showcase what they are doing, and it draws local people back to the heart of Penicuik.
In those towns and across the Borders and Midlothian, the common ridings not only emphasise the local history and culture but help the tills to ring and provide work for blacksmiths, stables and hospitality.
I know many of my local businesses. For me, it would be invidious to name some and not others, but, following Douglas Ross, I will make one exception and name the Central Bar in Peebles, which is a free house that is small but perfectly formed. During Covid, Roddy MacKay, the owner, did not qualify for a bean in financial support. However, he did not lie down in defeat—he spruced up the interior, and there are now hanging baskets outside. He recently won an award for his little pub. For me, that is the spirit of a local business, which is replicated throughout my constituency. During those tough Covid years, and during the tough days now due to inflation and the economy, they can flourish—but they will always need local support.
18:07