Galashiels, in the heart of the Borders region is historically, the centre of the tweed industry. Sitting on the A7, linking Edinburgh (only 30 miles away) with Carlisle, Galashiels has a direct route to the other major towns in the area, making it a wonderful base to explore the beautiful Borders. In September 2015, the rebuilt Borders Railway opened, linking Galashiels with Edinburgh. The town lies in the bottom of the steep-sided valley of The Gala Water, a tributary of the River Tweed. The towns Landmark Burgh Chambers is a listed building including a clock tower and war memorial. Opposite, is Cornmill Square and Cornmill Fountain. Channel Street and High Street contain an interesting collection of shops.
Old Gala House is an impressive and unusual building, its history and fortunes spanning five centuries. Visitors can discover its story and the development of the town of Galashiels and enjoy a stroll round the pleasant gardens. Galashiels Golf Club is a premier 9-hole golf course in Gala and Torwoodlee Golf Club on the outskirts of the town welcomes visitors from around the world to an 18-hole course. From Galashiels, join the National Cycle Network Route 1 and travel west to Innerleithen and Peebles, or venture east to Melrose, Newton St Boswells or Kelso. The 4 Abbeys cycle route is another great option, taking in 55 miles of countryside. The focal point of the local Galashiels calendar is the Braw Lads Gathering which takes place in late June.
