The Great Tapestry of Scotland

What a fantastic work of art! I came to see it while on a coach holiday in the Scottish Borders, and it exceeded my expectations. Displayed in a light and airy gallery on the first floor of the modern visitor centre (with great views of Galashiels through the large windows), the 160 panels of embroidery depict the people, events, battles, inventions and culture that have shaped Scotland from prehistoric times to the present day. A thousand embroiderers were involved in this project, and it must have taken so much time, skill and imagination to accomplish it. The stitching is excellent, with fine detail and vibrant colours. Each panel is accompanied by a description of the event or custom it portrays, and the names of the embroiderers who worked on it. Enthusiastic and friendly staff were around to answer any questions I had. You can take a lift up to the gallery, and on the ground floor there's a café, clean and accessible toilets, and a shop where you can buy embroidery kits and other nice gifts. I spent just over two hours here, but would have needed twice as long to study all the details and read all the history. Would definitely return!

The story of Scotland, told in embroidery. This is a fantastic place to visit for any fans of history or crafting. Beautiful panels telling of important figures and events in history, and well laid out too. There's a really nice cafe where you can stop to take a break between eras. I'd recommend planning to spend at least two hours here to make the most of it. All the staff were so friendly too. I've bought the book from the gift shop with all the panels so I can enjoy looking from home.

Astonishing project, so much to see. Go about 10am and study the first half of the display for a couple of hours. Enjoy lunch at a very good restaurant and then head back up to the display and finish the second half. Finish with a light tea before the restaurant closes at 4pm. Perfect

I'd give it 6 * if I could. The building, the situation, the loos, the cafe and above all the 160 superb stunningly wrote tapestry's making up Scotland's story make for a jaw dropping story. Best of all are the excellent, detailed captions to each tapestry that knit together ( pun! ) all the events over the aeons. This is a MUST visit on anyone's itinerary!

So much to take in all at once. We were there for over four hours and amazed at every panel. The talent of the women that sewed them was incredible and every stitch must have needed total concentration. The stories told in each part were quite simple at times , and very deep in others.

Fabulous tapestry to visit. Tells the history of Scotland in stitches. Stunning work. Staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. Lovely cafe and wee gift shop. There is parking closed by at minimal fee.

We had a great time at the Tapestry. So much to see and read. We took 2 1/2 hours but would go back again in a heartbeat.

Astounding. And inspirational. Only heard about this latterly when I visited the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns. Would have missed this otherwise. Modern building with super swish loos. Lift and stairs up to the floor where the tapestry is displayed. Shop and café. Lovely, friendly, welcoming and helpful staff, all of them. There is parking nearby on the street or in the car park nearby, very reasonably priced parking too. Allow plenty of time, I was there for over two hours! There are also magnifying glasses available if you want to study the embroidery stitching in detail. It is called a tapestry but is a collection of embroidery panels. The stats are 50,000 sewing hours, 300 miles of yarn, 165 panels, 1,000 stitchers, and 140 metres of artwork. As a qualified textile designer, I truly appreciate the work and hours that have gone in on the construction of this opus of work. It's magnificent. All the names of the embroiders are on the wall above the stairs on the ribbons. There is also a "yarn" that goes out of the door and winds down the street. An absolute must see if you are in Galashiels. Super highly recommended. (Andrew Crummy, the artist, also has a piece of work exhibited down at the bus interchange. Hard to get a photo of this piece due to the reflections on the glass, but still worth going to see.)