Friday August 28th 2026
Hawick High Street
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A car-free zone in a Borders high street will enforced next month as the joys of walking, wheeling and cycling are celebrated.
The ‘Great Street Day’ as it has been dubbed will unite townsfolk and businesses in Hawick on September 12.
The event will take place along the High Street from the Horse to the Heart of Hawick between 10am and 4pm, with a temporary road closure creating a welcoming, people-focused space for the day.
The temporary closure of the street will allow people to experience the town centre without through traffic and create an opportunity to showcase the shopping thoroughfare as a vibrant place to visit, shop, meet and spend time.
Visitors can expect a rolling programme of entertainment, activities and family-friendly attractions, with opportunities to discover more about active travel and try different types of bikes.
Scottish Borders Council’s Active Travel Team, in partnership with Outsider Events, is inviting residents and visitors to come along and experience Hawick High Street in a different way as part of the ‘No More Ridonkulous Car Trips’ campaign.
The event will showcase how walking, wheeling and cycling can be fun, accessible and practical options for shorter everyday journeys.
A key feature of the day will also be a farmers’ market, bringing together local producers and traders to showcase fresh, local and artisan produce.
The market will add to the vibrant atmosphere on the High Street and give visitors the chance to support local businesses while enjoying everything the event has to offer.
Councillor Jenny Linehan, SBC’s Executive Member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport, said: “This event aims to bring the community together and encourage residents and visitors to spend time in Hawick, explore the High Street, support local businesses and discover the wide range of shops, services, organisations and community groups that make the town unique.
“Making the High Street a place for people for the day also helps us get across the message that people need to rethink short, everyday journeys and consider walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting whenever possible.
“Our campaign highlights how small changes to the way we travel can have a positive impact on our health and well-being, the environment and our town centres. The Great Street Day will bring that message to life while celebrating Hawick itself.”
Local businesses are being encouraged to get involved by decorating their shop windows, creating special offers or promotions, bringing their business outdoors where appropriate, or hosting activities, demonstrations and displays.
The event is being developed with local businesses, community organisations and partners, with further details about the programme, activities and traffic management arrangements to be announced ahead of the event.
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