Milestone Garden Centre celebrates 20 years
Milestone Garden Centre celebrated its 20th anniversary with more than 2,000 visitors, marking two decades of growth in the Scottish Borders.
More than 2,000 join anniversary celebrations
Milestone Garden Centre welcomed more than 2,000 customers to its Newtown St Boswells site over the weekend of 10 and 11 October, celebrating 20 years since first opening its doors.
The celebrations brought together customers old and new, including familiar faces who have watched the business grow from an empty field in 2006 into one of Scotland’s largest independent garden centres.
Visitors were greeted by a balloon arch at the entrance, while a timeline of photographs inside the centre traced Milestone’s journey from its early construction days to the thriving retail and hospitality destination it is today.
The weekend also included a special breakfast for Cindy Kennedy, a long-standing customer invited to share in the anniversary celebrations and reflect on her memories of Milestone.
From green field site to retail destination
Milestone opened in 2006 with a vision to create an attractive visitor destination in the Scottish Borders, initially employing just 16 people.
Today, the business brings together a garden centre, plant nursery, deli, homeware store, clothing department and restaurant, employing more than 50 local people.
Located on the A68 between England and Scotland, Milestone has become a popular destination for local customers and a welcoming stop for tourists and coach parties travelling through the Borders.
Looking ahead to the next 20 years
Ross Allan, Managing Director of Milestone Garden Centre, said: “When I look back over the past 20 years, it’s incredible to see how far Milestone has come. What started as a green field site in 2006 has grown into the garden centre we know today, with so much development and change along the way.
“I’ve always been passionate about improving and evolving Milestone, creating somewhere people enjoy visiting, not just for their gardens, but to shop, eat and spend time together.
“None of this would have been possible without our fantastic team and the loyalty and support of our customers. I am incredibly proud of what Milestone has achieved over the last 20 years, and I am excited to see what the next chapter brings.”
Christmas events on the horizon
The anniversary weekend marks the start of a busy few months, with further events planned for the festive season.
Milestone’s Christmas Market will take place on Friday 13 November, followed by the launch of its Christmas menu on Thursday 26 November. The popular Breakfast with Santa sessions will also return throughout December.
As Milestone looks to the future, the anniversary celebrates not only the business’s growth but also the customers, colleagues and local community who have supported it since the beginning.