Galashiels
This friendly market town is halfway between the great capital of Scotland and the great border between Scotland and Northumberland. Galashiels is in Scottish Borders territory, in a strategic historic location on the long route of the A7 and close to the A68, and it’s a major commercial and business centre for the area. Galashiels is also on the tourist map, and with its close neighbour, Tweedbank, it enjoys the visitor economy that the River Tweed attracts. With plenty of local amenities, including schools, shops, parks and a river of its own, it’s got plenty going for it as a base for a new home.
New Homes in Galashiels
Living in Galashiels
On the doorstep
Galashiels has everything for a growing family, on an easy-going scale. There are some good local shops and services along its high street, and some large national brands and supermarkets, including a Tesco Extra and an Asda Superstore. There’s a health centre, a swimming pool, a golf club, multi-screen cinema and plenty of places to eat out. You don't have to be an angler to enjoy the river but it's a lovely local landmark.
Further afield
The choice is yours. Edinburgh for culture, history, entertainment and a great day-trip city break, the unspoilt east coast and seaside towns on either side of Berwick-upon-Tweed, and the wilds and open space of the Northumberland National Park, are all only about an hour’s drive away. There are castles and stately homes, some ruined, some intact, dotted around this historic area, giving you a taste of the role the Borders played in Scottish and English history.
Good connections
The A7 passes through the town on its way from Carlisle to Edinburgh. Edinburgh is 35 miles to the north, a one-hour drive or train journey. The drive time to Edinburgh Airport is also around one hour. Carlisle is just over 60 miles to the southwest, a straightforward route and an hour and a half’s drive. The A68 runs all the way down to Bishop Auckland, passing to the west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and heading into the east of Edinburgh where it joins the city ring road, the A720. The Galashiels Transport Interchange is a combined train and bus station, an important hub for the town.
Good schools
Together Galashiels and Tweedbank offer a great choice of primary schools. The local secondary comprehensive school in their catchment area is Galashiels Academy. Students can also go to the Borders College for further education. The main campus is in the town.