Robert Coltart 1833 - 1880

A new statue appeared in the Market Square in Galashiels recently. Robert Coltart was a woollen weaver turned confectioner. Although born in Galloway, he moved to Gala as a young man and sold his boiled sweets round the town and across the Scottish Borders at fairs and festivals.

He used to sing a wee song to advertise his wares:

‘Ally bally, ally Bally bee,
Sittin on yer mammy’s knee,
Greetin for a wee bawbee,
Tae buy some Coulter’s candy.’

The coloured ribbons were added by pupils from the local primary schools on the day that it was unveiled.