Border Telegraph marks Galashiels Inner Wheel Club's 50th anniversary

Rotary and Inner Wheel Christmas Market

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 Visit to Hawick Flood Group

About the area

At the heart of the Borders , Galashiels with a population of 12,600 lies in the narrow valley of Gala Water close to its meeting with the Tweed. The town takes its name from the “sheilings” or summer shelters, built by herdsmen for their sheep.

At Old Gala House there is a fascinating insight into the early history of the town.  The 19^th Century saw the wool and textile industry flourishing in Galashiels. Although it is no longer a dominant factor in the local economy , you cannot fail to see its influence around the town and at the famous Scottish Borders Campus of Heriot Watt University.

The Braw Lads Gathering  an annual event  in late June is a focal point in the local calendar, with its week long ceremonies commemorating  the history of the town. In 1503 the lands of Ettrick Forest of which Galashiels was a part, were granted to Margaret Tudor on her marriage to James IV  of Scotland – an event remembered  by a colourful ceremony, mingling the Red Rose of Lancaster and the White Rose of York. One of the most picturesque highlights is the sight of several hundred horses fording the Tweed to Abbotsford House, the  home of Sir Walter Scott the famous novelist and poet.

To sports enthusiasts , Galashiels synonymous with Rugby , the Gala Rugby Club has a long and proud tradition of suppling players to the full international side. Other  interests are well catered for with Football , two golf courses, three bowling greens , tennis courts and swimming pool and also two public parks. In nearby Tweedbank there is also a all weather athletics track and indoor bowling club. Fishing , riding and walking can also be enjoyed locally.

The Pavilion Cinema has four screens and the Volunteer Hall in the centre of the town is the venue for the annual production for the local opera company , craft fairs ,weddings and many other events.

Also in the centre of the town the  new permanent  home for the Great Tapestry of Scotland is being built and will hopefully open in the spring of 2021.

With its central location and the reopening of the Waverly Line , Galashiels is an ideal base for exploring  the Scottish Borders  including the four medieval abbeys at Dryburgh, Kelso , Jedburgh and Melrose and many Stately Homes along our quiet country roads  and rolling hills.