Hub of Delights
Full of colour, character and heart, Innerleithen’s Hub on the High Street is a gift shop with a difference – with staff helping to sell the area as much as the eclectic products on the shelves
Walk past the Hub on the High Street’s main windows, night or day, and it’s hard to resist peeking through at the delights within – with sparkling lights framing displays full of funky artwork, artisanal gifts, jewellery, soaps, jars of condiments and more.
Once through the door, it’s difficult to know which way to turn, with every shelf exerting a pull. From the shop’s main display area to a smaller section at the back – home to some deliciously rude gift cards – the Hub is full of unique goods supplied by independent artists and makers, many from the Scottish Borders.
It's been six years since long-time friends Pauline Archibald (pictured), Carmel Walsh and Hayley Cameron first opened up in a characterful building that was formerly home to a local electrical firm. During that time, the Hub team have worked with a variety of makers and now have a list of firm personal and customer favourites.
One of the most popular sellers is artist Lesley Johnson who supplies gorgeous landscape images of the local area in prints, on hangings, cushions and greeting cards. Another is Martin Wilson of Hatch Burn Carve, whose intricate slate and stone carvings have a strong following.
When parts of the nearby Caerlee Mill – soon to be home to the much-anticipated Mountain Bike Innovation Centre – were demolished a few years ago, Martin was able to source some of the mill’s bricks which he repurposed as chunky candle holders. “They are the ultimate ‘local’ piece,” says Pauline. “We are the only store that sells them and they are still hugely popular.”
Gifts with a local flavour sell well generally, with small items such as fridge magnets, tea towels and coasters featuring maps of the town serving as perfect mementoes for visitors.
Of course, now is the time of year when attention turns to winter woollens and the festive season. “Our Christmas stock has started to arrive and we have loads of beautiful products, from jewellery and bags to cosy winter items – gloves, wrist warmers, candles and other seasonal gifts,” explains Pauline.
The Hub has also topped up its drinks corner, which features a range of small batch gins, fine wines handpicked by Villeneuve Wines in Peebles and craft beers from local producers, Traquair and Durty Brewing. Elsewhere, a recently introduced food section featuring items such as locally produced chocolates, chutneys, jams, honey and savoury biscuits has also proved popular.
But just as important as what’s on the shelves are the cheery staff who always give a warm welcome to those stepping through the door. “We have known one another for years and feel very lucky to work together,” says Pauline. “We have been joined by Mya who works on Saturdays and covers holidays – she is a breath of fresh air and a huge asset to our team and our customers.
“We all live locally and have a wealth of knowledge about the area and often double up as information givers.”
As befits its name, the shop is a hub in many ways, with memorable moments almost daily. “People still come in and ask for lightbulbs – they have clearly not had one go out for six years,” remarks Pauline.
As always, the team have plenty of creative ideas for keeping the tills turning over the colder months with a range of evening events planned, including wine and gin tasting – a winter treat for visitors and local residents alike.
Further information
In addition to its must-visit shop, the Hub operates a not-for-profit social enterprise arm, the Hub CIC, that supports a range of local causes and businesses within Innerleithen. In one of its biggest projects, the Hub CIC has overseen the remodelling of a disused toilet block in the town into a shower, changing and bike wash facility for visiting mountain bikers. It was also behind a community portraiture exhibition together with local photographer Natalie Martin during the UCI Cycling World Champs event in 2023 – with images still on display around the town.
Photo credits: Gareth Easton