News — Galashiels

As we hit another year witht he Gatherings in full swing Throughout the summer months, towns and villages across the Scottish Borders come alive with colour, music, and heartfelt tradition during what is fondly known as The Gatherings. These are no ordinary festivals — they are proud, deeply rooted celebrations of community spirit, heritage, and the history that ties the Borders towns together.  A Living Tradition The Border Gatherings trace their origins back to centuries-old riding customs, when townspeople would ride the boundaries of their land to protect against invasion or encroachment. Over time, this practice evolved into ceremonial ridings...

Galashiels is a town in the Scottish Borders, located in the valley of the Gala Water, a tributary of the River Tweed. It has a rich history, particularly in the textile industry, and remains one of the largest towns in the Borders. History & Industry Galashiels grew significantly during the 19th and early 20th centuries due to the booming textile and wool industry. The town was known for producing high-quality tweed and other woolen products. While large-scale textile manufacturing has declined, the town still retains some links to the industry, including the Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles and Design, which...