A Gala occasion!

Saturday 20 April 2024

Eight of us took the picturesque but rather slow Borders train journey to Galashiels to enjoy a visit to see the Great Tapestry of Scotland in its new permanent home. We combined this with an excellent lunch in Stitchers, the cafe that takes up much of the ground floor, where we were joined by ‘locals’ Pam and Hywel Williams.

Before our visit, some of us had thought that it wouldn’t take too long to examine the tapestry and we’d be able to finish with a stroll around the town, but in the event there was so much of interest in both the scope of the Tapestry and the wealth of its detail that a return trip will be necessary!

The historical notes that accompany the panels both explained them and added to our store of knowledge of Scottish history, and we heard intriguing stories told by some of the thousand or so stitchers who contributed to this community project.

If you missed the trip you can take a “virtual journey through the rich tapestry of Scottish history, culture, and landscapes by downloading the Tapestry Tours app” at this link. But you won’t be able to recapture the blether round the lunch table … make a point of coming with us on our next outing!