After having collectivelly defined a set of themes, we took a step foward and asked: “Where would you imagine possible theme-based interventions and programmes being developed in the future?”

Large scale maps were provided for participants to directly draw and plot specific narratives and routes based on the themes produced in workshop 1.

We adapted a technique known as Appreciative Inquiry (AI), which moves away from traditional problem solving into a positive core approach. The session had two stages:

In the Discovery stage, groups drew different narratives and asked them to identify current resources that the town has to offer relating to each theme, in other words, “the best of what is”.

The second stage of the workshop used the idea of ‘dreaming’ as a way to consider paths and strategies to a more resilient and sustainable town. We asked the workshop to plot the same paths from the Discovery stage, but instead how they may play out 25 years hence. It served as an opportunity to deploy the themes from the first workshop and think about their realisation in real physical contexts.

Narratives Theme 1: To weave Galashiels’ identity and place in the world.

• Map what a tourist might do to experience the best the town can offer.
• What places and spaces define Galashiels to the outside world?

Narratives Theme 2: To create an inclusive and diverse community.

• Map the educational journey from preschool to higher education in Galashiels.
• Locate and link what you think are places that have high job satisfaction and/or opportunity.

Narratives Theme 3: To reinforce a culture that is creative, entrepreneurial and in control of its future.

• Map business and creative networks that define the town.
• Plot and describe a journey through the best retail, market and hospitality places in town.

Narratives Theme 4: To preserve and develop the best of the built and natural environment.

• Map what a tourist might do to experience the best the town can offer.
• What places and spaces define Galashiels to the outside world?

Strategy Maps (Click on images to view)

The Resilient Borders project is essentially about community participation in imagining a sustainable future for Galashiels and the Central Borders. Looking far ahead, we asked some fundamental questions about how the town can transform itself to provide high levels of social support, well payin
g skilled jobs, great new tourism opportunities and a low carbon future.

Building on the work produced by Master’s students at the University of Edinburgh’s Advanced Sustainable Design programme, the first workshop gathered insights about what is important to participants as a community. It asked: “What do you think future developments in Galashiels and the Borders should focus on?”

We used a Focused Discussion Method to develop a series of fundamental themes that help us understand the characteristics of a reimagined community. In general, the session invited participants to look at the student projects, discuss their initial responses, explore their significance as a community, and collectively arrive at a set of themes for future development.

• To weave Galashiels’ identity and place in the world.
• To create an inclusive and diverse community.
• To reinforce a culture that is creative, entrepreneurial and in control of its future.
• To preserve and develop the best of the built and natural environment.