The Great Tapestry of Scotland

The Great Tapestry of Scotland The Great Tapestry of Scotland - Europe's largest tapestry with its permanent home in Galashiels

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Consisting of 160 hand stitched panels created by 1,000 stitchers and illustrating Scottish history from the Ice Age to modern day

It’s a remarkable achievement: in an age of speed and technology, it has been created with wool and linen, slowly, methodically and with people coming together to share stories and create a record of their history. The national visitor attraction in the centre of Ga

lashiels, the heartland of the Scottish Borders is just a short journey by rail or road from Edinburgh. The gallery, workshop space and cafe celebrates the people’s story of Scotland and the creative talents of the stitchers. From Mary Queen of Scots to Scotland at the movies, Robert the Bruce to the rise of Dundee, all are invited to explore the Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels. In addition to the Tapestry with interactive displays and audio guides, Gallery 1420 will host visiting exhibits and there’s a workshop space where visitors can meet the makers. There is also a gift shop and café with seasonal produce supporting Scotland's magnificent larder.

20/06/2026

🪡 A fascinating insight into the design of the Roman Legions panel

There's still time to benefit from our current partnership with the The Trimontium Trust & Museum. Throughout June, visitors receive 10% off entry to one of our attractions, so you can discover more about this transformative chapter in Scotland’s story.

🎟️ To redeem the offer, discounted tickets for the second venue must be purchased in person. Simply show your valid ticket at the front desk to receive your discount.

Two visitor attractions. One extraordinary landscape. Countless stories waiting to be discovered...





Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here VisitScotland Live Borders

🏔️🧵 From the gallery windows to the hilltops...At the four corners of our Tapestry Gallery are tall windows, purposefull...
19/06/2026

🏔️🧵 From the gallery windows to the hilltops...

At the four corners of our Tapestry Gallery are tall windows, purposefully positioned to look out onto the four hills that surround Galashiels - and every one of them has a story to tell. Our latest guest blog, written by Angela Crow of Hike & Bike Hub, Galashiels SCIO SC 051989, is your local guide to the walks, landmarks and hidden tales waiting just beyond our doors.

🪡 Visiting for the weekend? Our 2-Day Ticket (£18, valid for a week) means you can return for a second look — because one visit is never quite enough.

👉 Read the blog & discover the walks: https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/stories/walks-near-galashiels-beyond-the-tapestry-windows/





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☀️ Summer savings for families! ☀️Take advantage of reduced prices on our children's workshops this summer as part of th...
18/06/2026

☀️ Summer savings for families! ☀️

Take advantage of reduced prices on our children's workshops this summer as part of the UK's Great British Summer Savings Scheme.

With VAT reduced from 20% to 5%, there's never been a better time to book creative, fun-filled activities for young minds.

Spaces are limited to 20 children, so we recommend booking your tickets soon 👇 https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/kids-creative-workshops/



A beautiful film made by Mansee Dabral, a documentary filmmaking student at NFTS Scotland  🎥👏We were utterly delighted w...
17/06/2026

A beautiful film made by Mansee Dabral, a documentary filmmaking student at NFTS Scotland 🎥👏

We were utterly delighted when Mansee approached our visitor office Rachel to document The Great Tapestry of Scotland in one of her films. Mansee told us that: "No words can describe how beautiful and impactful the viewing was for me. [This film] is my small gift for the magnificent work everyone has put in so selflessly. I genuinely believe more people need to come and discover the magnificence of the work at the museum and I have created this short film with that theme in mind."

The film reflects her sense of awe as she explores the 160 panels and stories of The Tapestry. Thank you, Mansee, for this wonderful video!

👉 Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_Tfp0wHsA4



Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here Live Borders

The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels is 160 hand-embroidered panels of Scottish history, stitched by over 1,000 volunteers across Scotland. But look ...

16/06/2026

🪡 Did you spot these details?

The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s Roman Legions panel is like a window into the Roman and Iron Age story of the Scottish Borders. After your visit to The Tapestry, follow the Thread to the The Trimontium Trust & Museum to learn more about our fascinating Roman history and settlements north of Hadrian’s Wall.

🙌 This June, receive 10% off entry to one of our attractions, so you can discover more about this transformative chapter in Scotland’s story. Simply show your valid ticket to one attraction at the front desk of the second to receive your discount.

Two visitor attractions. One extraordinary landscape. Countless stories waiting to be discovered...





Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here VisitScotland

History is hungry work... ☕🪡The Stitchers Café serves fresh, seasonal meals and refreshments made with locally sourced i...
15/06/2026

History is hungry work... ☕🪡

The Stitchers Café serves fresh, seasonal meals and refreshments made with locally sourced ingredients from Scotland's rich larder. So, pop by after your Great Tapestry of Scotland visit for some homemade lunch, great coffee, and a warm welcome.

👉 Plan your visit: https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/



Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here Live Borders

Get creative this July at The Great Tapestry of Scotland...Looking for fun activities to fill the school summer holidays...
13/06/2026

Get creative this July at The Great Tapestry of Scotland...

Looking for fun activities to fill the school summer holidays? We're offering three weeks of hands-on workshops for kids, from crafting with clay to t-shirt printing, and upcycling.

🎨 Week 1 (14-16th July): Miniature Clay Creatures, Story Shields, Mini Buildings
👕 Week 2 (21-23rd July): Monoprint Art, T-Shirt Printing, Postcard Printing
🖍️ Week 3 (28-30th July): Patchwork Accessories, Upcycled Bags & Dioramas,

Take advantage of reduced prices on our children's workshops this summer as part of the UK's Great British Summer Savings Scheme.

With VAT reduced from 20% to 5%, there's never been a better time to book creative, fun-filled activities for young minds. Spaces are limited, so secure your place today and make this a summer to remember!

Spaces are limited to 20 children, so we recommend booking your tickets soon 👇 https://www.greattapestryofscotland.com/kids-creative-workshops/



🚨 BIG NEWS 🚨🪡 The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to Britain this September – and The Great Tapestry of Scotland will be part ...
12/06/2026

🚨 BIG NEWS 🚨

🪡 The Bayeux Tapestry is coming to Britain this September – and The Great Tapestry of Scotland will be part of its story.

We're delighted to announce that our visitor centre has been selected to feature in a UK-wide programme celebrating the British Museum’s once-in-a-generation Bayeux Tapestry experience from September 2026.

As the home of one of the world's longest tapestries, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry itself, we're uniquely placed to help visitors explore the fascinating connections between these two extraordinary works.

The Bayeux Tapestry inspired artist Andrew Crummy's vision for The Great Tapestry of Scotland, which includes a panel featuring St Margaret of Scotland – the English princess who sought refuge in Scotland following the Norman Conquest of 1066, creating a direct link to the period depicted in Bayeux.

Separated by almost a thousand years, both tapestries tell powerful stories of nationhood, identity and shared history through the skill, creativity and dedication of stitchers.

And while the Bayeux Tapestry's makers remain unknown, many of our original stitchers are still with us today. Through this programme, visitors will have the opportunity to hear their stories and gain a unique insight into the creation of one of Scotland's most significant community heritage projects.

This exciting partnership will celebrate the enduring cultural links between Scotland and France while connecting communities and visitors with one of the world's most iconic historical artworks.

✨ More details coming soon – follow us for updates.





Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here VisitScotland Live Borders

⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Kick off time! The FIFA World Cup is here, and what better moment to remember the greatest goal ever scored in ...
11/06/2026

⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Kick off time! The FIFA World Cup is here, and what better moment to remember the greatest goal ever scored in one...

It's the year 1978 in sunny Argentina, when Scotland's National Team faces off against the Netherlands. We didn't just need a win, we needed a decisive 3 goal win to stay in the tournament...and we did it!

In the 68th minute, Archie Gemmill slalomed past multiple Dutch defenders before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to give Scotland an unforgettable 3-1 lead – one of the most iconic goals EVER scored.

This Great Tapestry of Scotland Panel commemorates this iconic moment in Scottish football history. Here's to many more moments like this! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙌

🪡 Stitched by: Ann Gambles, Libby Hughes, Frances Rankin & Catriona Whitton (Allanwater Stitchers)
📍 Stitched in: Dunblane

Explore the history...Experience the story.





Live Borders Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here

🪡🧶 We love to see our visitors getting inspired by The Tapestry!Currently on holiday in Scotland, Canadian Tara-Maria co...
10/06/2026

🪡🧶 We love to see our visitors getting inspired by The Tapestry!

Currently on holiday in Scotland, Canadian Tara-Maria continued her own kitted art work whilst soaking in all the stories of our 160 Panels.

We'd love to hear your story! Tag your visit with to be featured on our social media. Would you rather share your story via email? Please feel free to message us via [email protected].

We’d love to hear your reflections and continue collecting these stories for future generations.



Galashiels Heartland of the Borders Discover South Scotland - Scotland Starts Here Live Borders

Address

14-20 High Street
Galashiels
TD11SD

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 5pm
Friday 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm
Sunday 9:30am - 5pm

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