Storytelling at the heart of the Scottish Borders

The Great Tapestry of Scotland tells the epic story of Scotland through 160 exquisite panels all hand stitched by 1,000 volunteers. I really enjoyed working with this project earlier this year and, when I visited during its construction I learned that the story doesn’t start or finish with the tapestry. The building, the setting, the views, the construction, the people…all have their own story to tell too.

Located in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, the Great Tapestry of Scotland is housed in a purpose built new Visitor Centre. The roof is inspired by the hills and the windows to the border landscape allow visitors to get a sense of the surrounding landscape. Whilst the main visitor experience is in the new building, the classroom and conference facilities are located in the old post office – a building that has been at the heart of the community since the late nineteenth century. The juxtaposition of the new and the old brings a new focus on heritage in the very centre of Galashiels which is hard to miss.