SHOPKEEPERS hope to highlight Peebles’ “eclectic” mix of independent retailers during a special shopping festival.

The Independently Peebles Shopping Festival, – on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 – is the brainchild of the recently-formed Peebles Businesses and Retailers Association.

Stephanie Morrison, who has operated the gift box on the High street for 24 years, said: “We discussed the idea of different initiatives and came up with a special weekend.

“We are really lucky to have so many independent and eclectic shops in the town.

“The weekend will incorporate 36 different businesses in Northgate, Eastgate, School Brae, High Street and the Old Town. There will be many special offers and discounts available across the weekend.

“Using small shops is all about the service available, for instance if I go to Clare, at Peebles Comics and Games, she asks the age of the child for whom I am buying and makes suggestions.

“In addition there will be live music from InChorus Choir and busking musicians.”

The festival will coincide with a volunteering fair, at which organisations will have stalls in the recently refurbished Burgh Hall and on Tweed Green.