The first Galashiels: Old Town, Mill Town, Your Town walking tour has proved a fantastic success, with a fully booked group taking to the streets to discover a different side of Gala.
Led by local guide and storyteller Stewart Wilson of Tweed Valley Blogger, the new tour was an opportunity to try something a little different – bringing the story of Galashiels to life through the streets, buildings, people and places that have shaped the town.
And it certainly struck a chord. Perhaps the best feedback came from lifelong residents who found themselves saying, “I never knew that about Gala.”
The 75–90 minute walking tour tells the story of Galashiels in three acts:
Old Town: Discover the early burgh, its medieval roots, market cross and the traces of the original settlement still visible in the modern streetscape.
Mill Town: Step into the era that transformed Galashiels. Learn how water, wool and entrepreneurial ambition reshaped the town, built its fortune and created the civic landmarks that define Gala’s identity.
Your Town: Explore the Galashiels of today with regeneration, creativity, business resilience and the pride of a community continually reinventing itself. See how the past and present meet in the town’s architecture, public spaces and events.
It’s a relaxed, gentle walking tour suitable for all ages, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions, share memories and see familiar streets in a new light.
Following the success and positive response to the first tour, Stewart has now added more dates to his calendar – giving locals and visitors more opportunities to discover the layered history of Galashiels.
If you missed the first one, there’s still a chance to join Stewart on a future tour and discover just how much there is to learn about the town you thought you knew.
Find upcoming dates and more information here.
