Wednesday July 2nd 2025
Robert McKendrick from Old Gala Club with MP John Lamont at the exhibition
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
The revolutionary impact the arrival of the railway had on Galashiels is explored in a new exhibition.
Old Gala Club Goes By Train is now on display at Old Gala House in Scott Crescent.
It takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of the railway in Galashiels, from the arrival of the original Waverley Line in the 1800s to the closure in the 1960s, and the successful community campaign that led to the opening of the Borders Railway in 2015.
The Old Gala Club, which curated the exhibition in partnership with Live Borders, was delighted recently to welcome local MP John Lamont on a tour the exhibition.
It brings together rare photographs, personal stories, maps, and artefacts, capturing over 150 years of railway history and its profound impact on the town’s development, particularly in the textile industry.
An Old Gala spokesperson said: “The railway didn’t just bring trains to Galashiels – it brought opportunity, connection, and growth. We’re thrilled to see so much interest from the community and honoured by MP John Lamont’s visit.”
Mr Lamont said: “It’s a wonderful exhibition – full of interesting facts and information. Well worth the visit! Well done to everyone who pulled it together.”
The exhibition is on display until the end of September.
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