Outdoors for all

A familiar High Street name, Trespass came to Peebles in 2019 and quickly became part of the area’s outdoor scene – with new manager, Fiona Dutton, driving the store forward

If location is everything, then Trespass probably has it all. Sitting opposite the bustling junction of Peebles’ Eastgate, Northgate and High Street – the town’s historic Mercat Cross resplendent in front – Trespass is very much in the heart of the action.

The store sees a relatively new team, many local to the Borders, headed by manager Fiona Dutton (pictured). Originally from Edinburgh but with close ties to the Borders, she is revelling in the buzz of the town and wider area.

“I’ll be honest and say I’m surprised at the number of visitors we see from all over the world,” says Fiona. “They come for the activities that are on offer all around, which is great for the local economy.”

For Fiona and her team, it’s about providing the kind of warmth of welcome and levels of customer service perhaps more associated with the town’s many independent stores rather than a High Street chain.

Unlike the specialist items found in some of the Tweed Valley’s other outdoor stores, the Trespass offer is more accessible to a wider audience, featuring affordable camping and hiking equipment along with outdoor and active lifestyle clothing for all ages.

“As you can imagine right now, we are selling lots of fuzzy leggings and waterproof jackets as people gear up for the wetter, colder months,” explains Fiona. “It’s also all about layers – gilets, fleeces and baselayers – plus various winter accessories.”

And it’s not just two-legged customers that are well looked after. The store also has a well-stocked ‘Trespaws’ range with doggie accessories from coats and towels to bowls, collars, harnesses and outdoor toys.

“We have a lot of dog owners come in, both locals and visitors, so it’s great to also cater for the needs of their furry friends,” says Fiona.

Always willing to collaborate with others, the Trespass store has previously worked with the nearby Eastgate Theatre as a satellite venue for its annual Wild Writers Festival. It’s also a proud champion of the many outdoor activities that can be enjoyed locally, with Tweed Valley Canoe Trail maps and local riding guides free to collect from the counter.