Galashiels, Commercial town in Scottish Borders, United Kingdom
Galashiels sits in a narrow valley where Gala Water flows into the River Tweed, with rolling hills rising on both sides. The town's streets follow the river valley, lined with shops, homes, and public spaces built across different periods.
The textile industry reshaped this settlement in the 1800s, turning it into a major center for weaving and cloth production. Mills along the river became the heart of local life and drew workers and families seeking employment.
The Braw Lads Gathering brings the community together each summer with riders in traditional dress parading through town streets. This celebration keeps local history alive and connects residents to their shared past.
The town is easily reached from Edinburgh by train, with the Borders Railway providing regular connections. Multiple cycling routes pass through, so visitors with bikes can explore the valley and surrounding areas comfortably.
The town's coat of arms shows two foxes reaching for plums, a quirky symbol tied to a medieval border dispute. This odd imagery reflects the area's history as a contested frontier between Scotland and England.
Location: Scottish Borders
Elevation above the sea: 161 m
Website: http://galashiels.com
GPS coordinates: 55.62056,-2.81889
Latest update: December 6, 2025 21:23
Galashiels Baptist Church
333 m
St Andrew's Arts Centre (Former Ladhope Free Church), Bridge Street
651 m
High Tweed Mill, Former High Tweed Mill, King Street
403 m
Bank Of Scotland, 3-7 Channel Street, Galashiels
725 m
Galashiels, High Street, Head Post Office
708 m
Walkways And Railings, Steps, 74, 75, 76 Kirk Brae Including Boundary Walls
322 m
Harrow Inn Public House, 22 High Street, Galashiels
656 m
Workshop & House, Union Street, Galashiels
403 m
Round Tree Bridge And Commemorative Pillars, Bank Street Brae
784 m
38 Gala Park
791 m
34 And 46 Channel Street
780 m
12 High Street
707 m
69, 72 (Inclusive) Kirk Brae
315 m
4-8 High Street
719 m
2 Channel Street
706 m
Gates, St Andrew's Arts Centre (Former Ladhope Free Church), Bridge Street
650 m
7 Bank Street
755 m
Boundary Walls And Railings, Former Schoolhouse, 67 Gala Park
640 m
British Linen Bank, 46-48 High Street, Galashiels
621 m
The Pirns, Former High Tweed Mill, King Street
446 m
2 High Street
722 m
73, 77 (Inclusive) Kirk Brae
317 m
1-5 Roxburgh Street, Galashiels
458 m
Former Salvation Army Citadel, 1 Overhaugh Street
727 m
High Mill, Botany Mill
447 m
Galashiels, High Street, West Relief Church
580 m
Botany Lane Block
443 m
Roxburgh Street Block
467 mReviews
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