Situated on the A7 Carlisle to Edinburgh Route, set amidst a backdrop of beautiful hills and valleys lies Galashiels. Just 18 miles from Peebles, 42 Miles from Edinburgh and 58 Miles from Carlisle, Galashiels has a wealth of shops, restaurants, pubs, clubs and cafes as well as golf courses, driving ranges, swimming pool, cinema, sports centre and of course McDonalds, making Galashiels one of the busiest and picturesque towns in the Scottish Borders.

Whether you are visiting for business, recreation or pleasure I'm sure you will agree that Galashiels has something for everyone.

With its fabulous countryside, stunning wildlife and magnificent scenery, Galashiels is an ideal retreat for all the family.

As well as its stunning scenery and excellent shopping, Galashiels has a fantastic history dating back to as early as 1124 when it was first given reference to during the reign of King David I of Scotland (1124 ~1153 ) where it was referred to as Galche in a period Charter of the time.

To the west of Galashiels is an ancient Pictish earthwork known as a Catrail or Work Ditch, which extends for miles south across the landscape. To this day there is no agreement as to the actual purpose of this site.

On the North West side of Galashiels near the edge of town, still visible today is Torwoodlee Broch, ( Dry stone freestanding tower with interior courtyard, usually fortified). This ancient fortification dates back to around AD 140 when it was destroyed by the Romans.

Galashiels has its own coat of arms which is represented by two foxes reaching up to a tree to retrieve plums. Its motto Sour Plums or Soor Plooms in Scots gives reference to a historical event that happened in 1337, when a party of English Soldiers after picking plums sought rest beneath a tree. The soldiers were caught off guard by the local townspeople and slaughtered.

Approximately one mile north of Galashiels stands Buckholm Tower. John Pringle was given the tower as well as the surrounding lands after an act of bravery in 1524 in which he saved the lives of the Scottish King and Queen. The tower, still visible today, bears the date as well as the initials of john Pringle and his wife. The site is reportedly haunted by the former residents of the tower.

Galashiels became a burgh in 1599 and is celebrated every year by the Braw Lads gathering. This is represented by riders parading through the town on horseback. The event lasts approximately one week in July and has numerous, side shows, ceremonies, fun fair, music, competitions and so much more. A definite must for all the family to see.

The Braw Lads Gathering is immortalised in a poem by Robert Burns, " Braw Lads ", and is still sung today at the Braw Lads gathering.

A short distance from Galashiels is Abbotsford House, last home of Sir Walter Scott. In a letter dated 1 July 1811, Scott wrote to his friend John Morrit, stating that he had purchased a small farm named Cartley (nicknamed 'Clarty') Hole Farm for £150 per year. After extensive changes to the grounds and buildings in 1821 Scott would eventually rename his home Abbotsford.

Today Abbotsford stands as a monument to Sir Walter Scott himself. His study library contains over 9000 rare volumes. The house itself is adorned with a beautiful drawing room, dining room and of course the armouries and is open to visitors throughout the year.

Today Galashiels is a modern vibrant town with plenty to do and see for people of all ages with plenty of parking facilities, public amenities, marked walking routes, pubs, restaurants and cafe's, Galashiels has it all.