Galashiels is a bustling town which grew up with 19th century manufacturing. The motto of the Galashiels Manufacturer's Corporation, "We dye to live and live to die." reflects the importance with which the textile industry was viewed and the architecture of the town is still distinctly Victorian. The Lochcarron of Scotland Cashmere and Woolen Centre, producer of the world's largest range of pure wool worsted tartans, offers tours of the weaving process and recalls the development of the town as well as the advancement of weaving.
The town's oldest building, Old Gala House, home of the Lairds of Gala for several centuries, is now home to an excellent local museum and art gallery. Gala Aisle was the burial place for the Lairds of Gala since the 17th century and has, in recent years, been restored and is also open to the public.
The centre of Galashiels is dominated by the war memorial, the work of local sculptor Thomas Clapperton. The statue represents the Border Reiver, a reminder of the area's turbulant and often bloody past. It is at the memorial that the Braw Lads' Gathering commences. The Gathering is a week of ceremonies, events and ride-outs commemorating the town's history.
Galashiels is host to a good variety of shops, including several mill shops, cafés and gift shops as well as the popular Pavilion Cinema. If you get tired of carrying all those parcels, you can take a break in lovely Bank Street Gardens.
Gala RFC was formed in 1875 and has a very distinguished history having won the official club championship three times since its inauguration in 1973/4, the Border League nine times. Over the years Gala R.F.C. have supplied 41 players to the full Scottish international side and numerous other players at lower age group levels. Gala R.F.C. can proudly boast both British Lions players and Team Manager, a statement that can not be made by many other clubs within the UK. Football can also be enjoyed at Gala Fairydean, as can cricket, golf, tennis, bowling, athletics, swimming, horse riding and cycling. Galashiels is in the valley of the Gala Water near to its meeting place with the River Tweed, famous for its trout and salmon fishing.
Enjoy a meal at one of Galashiels' many hotels, restaurants and pubs and then dance the night away at one of the town's nightclubs. And don't forget the chippy afterwards!
Photo Credit:
River Tweed at Tweed Bridge; M. Moar/Scotland in Focus
