Wednesday February 4th 2026
Vandalised restaurant in Galashiels
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A new tourist biking hub in Galashiels will soon be on the menu at a former town restaurant targeted by vandals.
Adriatico was an Italian restaurant located at 2 Douglas Bridge which closed its doors for the final time in May 2022.
Now a planning application submitted to Scottish Borders Council for its change of use to a bike hub and bunkhouse-style accommodation has been rubber-stamped.
The former restaurant is located on the east side of Douglas Bridge and holds a prominent corner position within the town centre, facing onto Gala Water.
The application has been submitted by Angela Crow, of the Hike & Bike Hub in Channel Street in Galashiels.
After its closure the empty premises was secured following a spate of vandalism.
On one occasion the front door was forced open and a fire extinguisher believed to have been removed from the building was thrown into the Gala Water.
In his report approving the application, SBC lead planning officer Carlos Clarke says the development will add to the “vitality and vibrancy” of the town.
He states: “This application seeks consent to convert a ground floor restaurant and its upper floor to a bike sales/repair use along with four en-suite bedrooms forming a related tourist accommodation facility.
“The building is not Listed but is within the Conservation Area. External alterations are also proposed.
“The site is within the town centre, though not within its Core Activity Area, and the building has been vacant for a number of years.
“Accounting for policies the proposed uses can be supported as likely positive contributors to the vitality, vibrancy and mixed use nature of the town, particularly on such an accessible site which is very close to the transport interchange.
“The bike shop would operate ‘daytime’ hours according to the submission though, in this town centre location, I would not consider it necessary to control operating hours generally.
“Issues arising from unsociable operating times would be a matter for Environmental Health, and I note they have not raised concerns with the proposal.”
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