The Great Tapestry of Scotland and Cultural Tourism in Galashiels

Session One: 15:00 – 16:30

Session Two: 17:00 – 18:30 (repeat of session one)

Presenter: Professor Claire Wallace, Fellow of the Academy of            Social Sciences. University of Aberdeen.

After an independent and systematic yearlong survey, which took place during the 2022 tourist season at the Visitor Centre, the results of the research including both the survey results and filmed interviews will be presented.

Tourism represents a significant part of the Scottish economy.  The Scottish government has been keen to develop sustainable tourism on the Scottish borders by opening a rail connection to Galashiels in 2015 and a Visitor Centre in the town to house the Great Tapestry of Scotland in September 2021.

The survey results will help with marketing and planning for events and activities at the visitor centre and tourism in the Borders in general. It will address the possibility of keeping visitors for longer in Galashiels to help strengthen the regional economy and provide employment for people in the town.  By encouraging a “cultural economy” in the area, it would help to create local business opportunities and help inculcate a sense of pride of place.

No entry fee to presentation.