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Our History

The Past

The Present

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Since 2001, our Mitsubishi main dealership has operated from a purpose built site in Tweedbank. We offer sales, service, MOT, and parts for all makes of vehicles.

We have been operating Shell sites for over 20 years, at Wilderhaugh in Galashiels and at Hillside Service Station, Selkirk. We were a Shell Gold Retailer in 2013 and 2014.

One of our many retail developments was the opening of Tweed Road Stores in April 2016, located in Galashiels. We have stores in Peebles and Galashiels. 

Commercial and residential property has always been a large part of our business, as has retail property development with the opening of the Co-op store in Melrose. 

The Future...

Do you have an opportunity?

Let's work together. 

We are always on the lookout for new opportunities with honest, hard working individuals and teams who can partner with our experience, culture, and resources.

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Over the years the company developed into a garage and one of the first Borders ‘hire cars’ services. The bullnose Morris shown here was first sold by the company in 1926 and is part of our collection today.

Quickly, Adam Purves auto experts became the go-to local destination for buying quality cars, and the car dealership soon expanded into Central Motor Showrooms, based in the heart of Galashiels, on Market Street.

Adam Purves were pioneers in the fuel business. We introduced the first electric fuel pump back in 1936 replacing the traditional hand pump and opened the first self-service filling station at Wilderhaugh in the early 80s.

Above is a picture of the first Morris Mini-Minor ever sold by Adam Purves in the Borders.

 

This car is often on display in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and is part of our collection.

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Adam Purves Galashiels Ltd is a well-established local family business with deep roots in the Scottish Borders. Since its founding in 1879, the company has proudly offered a range of motor, retail, and property services, building a legacy of quality and trust that has spanned generations.

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The company’s story begins with Adam Purves, who was born in 1840 in the picturesque Gildiesgreen area of the Ettrick Valley. After serving his apprenticeship as a blacksmith at Lindean Smithy, near Selkirk, Adam gained valuable experience working in Hawick and Galashiels before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey. In 1879, he established his first premises at 20 Bank Street, Galashiels, marking the start of what would become a cornerstone of the local community.

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Today, the Purves family continues to oversee the company, ensuring it remains true to its founder’s vision of delivering exceptional services while adapting to the needs of the modern era. With over 140 years of history, Adam Purves Galashiels Ltd remains a proud contributor to the heritage and progress of the Scottish Borders

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