Galashiels

At the junction of the A72 and A7 Edinburgh-Carlisle road is the gritty, workmanlike textile town of Galashiels, strung out along the banks of the Gala river for more than two miles. Galashiels is one the largest towns in the Borders region, and a transport hub, but there's precious little to detain passing tourists.

Galashiels has played a vital role in the Borders economy for over 700 years as a major weaving town, producing tartans, tweeds and woollens, and is the home of the Scottish College of Textiles, though the industry has gone into decline in recent times.

Region

Scottish Borders

Travel Directions to Galashiels

There are frequent buses to and from Edinburgh (1 hr 25 mins); Peebles, Melrose (20 mins), Hawick (40 mins), Selkirk (15 mins) and Carlisle (2 hrs). The main operator is First Edinburgh , Tel 0131-663 9233, Galashiels Bus station, Tel 01896-752287.

The Tourist Information Centre is at 3 St John's St, Tel 755551. Apr-May Mon-Sat 1100-1600, Jun and Sep Mon-Sat 1000-1700; Jul and Aug Mon-Sat 1000-1800, Sun 1100-1300; Oct Mon-Sat 1000-1600.

Roads

A7 | A72 Galashiels to Hamilton

Local Sights & Activities for Galashiels

The only real attraction is Lochcarron Cashmere and Wool Centre in Huddersfield Street, a working mill with a visitor centre, textiles museum and reasonable mill shop. Info: Open all year round daily for guided tours, phone for times; Tel 751100.