Galashiels

Galashiels, in the heart of the Scottish Borders in Scotland, sits in the valley of the Gala Water, a tributary of the River Tweed, surrounded by rolling hills and within easy reach of Melrose and Selkirk. Its riverside setting and upland views give it a strong sense of place and make it a handy gateway to the Borders countryside and to Edinburgh for commuters.

Historically the town was a centre for tweed, knitwear and mill-based manufacturing, and that textile heritage is still visible in old mill buildings and local firms. Recent years have seen the local economy diversify, improved rail links boosting commuting and tourism, and a lively community life with festivals, outdoor walking and sporting clubs reflecting its industrial past and rural surroundings.