Tuesday May 26th 2026
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla visiting the visitor centre
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
An award-winning national visitor attraction, home to what has been described as “one of the most incredible storytelling projects in the country”, has launched a new series of partnerships inviting visitors worldwide to ‘Follow the Thread’ and discover stories of history, heritage, landscape and culture from Scotland’s borderlands.
Based in Galashiels, at the heart of the Scottish Borders, and recognised by Tripadvisor as being among the top 10% of visitor attractions worldwide for three consecutive years, The Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre is joining forces with attractions and operators across the region through events, exhibitions, promotions and content that brings to life some of the Tapestry’s vivid stories, as told by 1,000 people from across Scotland.
This will include special 10% discounted entry promotions exclusive to The Great Tapestry of Scotland, in partnership with Trimontium Museum: The Face of Roman Scotland in Melrose (in June), Jim Clark Motorsport Museum in Duns (in July) and Bowhill House near Selkirk (in August). Visitors can receive 10% off entry when booking in person at each venue during the relevant month by presenting a valid ticket from the partner attraction, with the same offer available in reverse for visitors to The Great Tapestry of Scotland.
Launching the initiative, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Visitor Attraction Manager at Live Borders (the charitable trust responsible for culture, libraries, museums, heritage, public sport and leisure services across the Scottish Borders) said: “We’re incredibly proud to introduce all our visitors to the compelling personal accounts of Scotland’s history, heritage, culture and landscapes as told by the makers of The Great Tapestry of Scotland. We’re often asked where people can learn more about these stories, and we’re lucky that we can recommend so many incredible places nearby. We are launching ‘Follow the Threads’ to shine a spotlight on some of these places, and it is fantastic that Trimontium Museum, Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, Bowhill House, the Tweed Valley Blogger and the Hike and Bike Hub in Galashiels have agreed to collaborate with us on this. Together we can help visitors discover a rich, connected story of Scotland through history, landscape, culture, creativity, place and people.”
The first of the Tapestry’s partnership promotions in June is with Trimontium Museum on Melrose, just 15 minutes’ drive or 30 minutes cycle from the centre. Also recognised by Tripadvisor as being among the top 10% of visitor attractions worldwide, this museum vividly tells the story of the largest Roman fort and settlement north of Hadrian’s Wall.
Welcoming the partnership, Dr John Reid, chair of Trimontium Roman Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with The Great Tapestry of Scotland centre to bring the story of Roman Scotland to life throughout June. We have lent them some of our replica armour for display, and they have given us a replica of their Roman Legions panel, so our visitors can experience what it was like to stitch it.
“The Tapestry’s Roman Legions panel is like a window into the Roman and Iron Age story – there is a lot of detail in it that really makes people want to learn more. And when you come to Trimontium there are so many fascinating elements in our museum that bring the intricate detail of this panel to life – from Roman helmets and coin displays from the Synton Hoard, to our virtual reality experience. Our home towns were also once connected by an ancient Roman Road, so this offers an ideal day trip for those keen to learn all about Roman history.”
In July, The Great Tapestry of Scotland will partner with the Jim Clark Motorsport Museum, which is also operated by the charity Live Borders, in Duns. The museum tells the moving story of Jim Clark, as told by his peers, fans, employees and family – he was a much-loved and respected local farmer and ‘one of the greatest grand prix racing drivers of all time’, who became an F1, F2 and Indy 500 champion, before his tragic and untimely death while racing in Germany in 1968. Jim’s story also features on the Welcome Panel at the Tapestry centre.
Doug Niven, Family Trustee of the Jim Clark Trust said: “The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s founding ethos of allowing people to tell their own story, their own way is very much what we do at The Jim Clark Motorsport Museum and the Jim Clark Trust is delighted to partner with The Great Tapestry of Scotland centre. Jim was a prime example of a true local Borders farmer who became a several time Formula one world motor racing champion who never forgot his Borders connections and was revered throughout the world for his modesty driving skills and sublime talent.”
In August, the Tapestry will partner with Bowhill House – the historic Borders home of the Duke of Buccleuch.
Rory Powell, House and Visitor Services Manager at Bowhill, said: “The Great Tapestry of Scotland’s Follow the Thread initiative is incredibly apt for Bowhill. The house is renowned for its internationally significant art and textile collections, including historic tapestries, decorative arts and interiors that reflect centuries of Scottish cultural heritage.
“Situated in the heart of one of the UK’s most important textile regions, this partnership creates a wonderful opportunity for visitors to connect with the stories, craftsmanship and creative traditions that have shaped Scotland across generations.”
As part of Follow the Thread, The Great Tapestry of Scotland has also launched a new blog series designed to help visitors connect with the people, places and moments featured in the Tapestry (greattapestryofscotland.com/follow-the-thread). This will include a series of guest posts. The first of these entitled Turning Threads to Treads, has been written by Stewart Wilson, the Tweed Valley Blogger, a Borders-based tour guide and blogger rooted in the landscape and culture of the Scottish Borders.
Welcoming the new series, David Hope-Jones, CEO of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) said: “It is fantastic to see ‘Follow the Thread’ using the unique placemaking power of The Great Tapestry of Scotland to highlight the role the south of Scotland has played in shaping our national story culturally, historically and artistically – from Roman occupation and aristocratic history through to our textile traditions, modern national identity and the landscapes that have inspired generations of artists, poets and authors.
“This collaborative approach brilliantly showcases the authentic, emotional and deeply connected experiences that the south of Scotland offers visits.”
For more information go to greattapestryofscotland.com.
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