The Former Textile Empire - Galashiels, Scottish Borders

Inside the Scottish Borders, there is a town called Galashiels that is widely known for its textile factories and the Hariot-Watt University's Textile and Design School. Two foxes picking plums from a tree and a "Sour Plums" motto make up this town's coat of arms. The story behind their coat of arms begins in 1337 when local residents discovered a group of English soldiers picking wild plums from their the resident's trees, ending in the soldiers being slaughtered. Their coat of arms, constructed from the destroyed corn mill's equipment, is on display at the Corn Mill Square on the fountain.

To the west of Galashiels, there is another historical site - Picts' Work Ditch, or Catrail. This is an earth work that varies in height and runs south for several miles. To the northwest yet another historical site, Torwoodle, can be visited. Torwoodle is a fort dating back to the Iron Age.

In 1599, the town became chartered and horseback riders marched through the town's streets this historical event is now referred to as the Braw Lauds Gathering, which residents celebrate each summer. After the parade comes to a close, visitors can attend a concert and the Braw Lad's Ball.

On the river of Galashiels, one can see woolen mills from the eighteen hundreds, which are credited to the town's expansion. At the height of its growth, the river valley held 21 mills. Several of theses have been either relocated to different locations or completely shut down. The Lochcarron of Scotland moved to the city of Selkirk in 2006, while the Waverly Mill was replaced with a shopping center. However, since Galashiels' economy no longer depends upon the mills for survival, it is no longer an issue. Now, leather clothes manufacturing, fish processing, software development, and medical research make up this town's economy.

And for those who love touring museums, there is the Old Gala House where the Galashashiel Lairds once called home. Then there is the Abbotsford House. This is the place Sir Walter Scott used to live in the years from 1812 - 1832. Visitors are permitted to see the house, garden, and chapel in the touring season - March to October, and the Abbotsford library has a vast collection of rare, unique books. For outdoors activities, tourists can go to the Tornielee Forest Park and hike along the nature trails while taking in some beautiful scenery. Many people enjoy fishing for salmon and trout on River Tweed; rental equipment is available.

There is also a movie theater, several nightclubs, a wide array of restaurants, and a pedestrian area in the town's center full of various shops. The town of Galashiels offers many activities for visitors to do and sites for them to see.