Galashiels

Galashiels is a town in the Scottish Borders council area of Scotland. It sits on the Gala Water, a tributary of the River Tweed, approximately 30 miles south of Edinburgh. The town has a population in the low tens of thousands, commonly quoted as around 12,000 people.

Historically, Galashiels developed as a textile manufacturing centre. From the 18th century onward, weaving and woollen production, aided by river power and later by steam, formed the backbone of the local economy, with several mills lining the Gala Water. The town expanded with rail access in the 19th century and served as a commercial hub for the surrounding rural area. The decline of traditional textiles in the late 20th century led to economic restructuring and repurposing of industrial buildings.

Transport and regeneration: The Borders Railway opened in 2015, restoring a direct rail link to Edinburgh and joining the town to the wider region, with Galashiels railway station serving passengers. Road links connect to larger towns in the Borders; bus services provide local circulation. The town today relies on a mix of retail, services, education, and light industry, with some former mills repurposed for housing and business use.

Land and culture: Galashiels lies within picturesque Border countryside and serves as a local service and community centre for surrounding settlements. The town hosts markets and local events and retains architectural features from its Victorian and industrial past. It is part of the broader Lowlands region and has a role in the economy and identity of the Scottish Borders.