2 Days Exploring Textiles Along the Borders Historic Route

As you cross the border to Scotland, you begin your journey through the beating heart of the country’s textile heritage. Following along the Borders Historic Route, the road first takes you to Langholm, the ‘Muckle Toon’. Famously steeped in centuries of weaving heritage, the town is celebrating its creativity in ever new ways, through events and workshop. Stop by Creation Mill for a taste of how the town continues to honour these crafts.

From Langholm, the route slowly takes you towards Hawick, through stunning landscapes that have long sustained the local wool industry, and inspired craftsmen and women. As you arrive into the Cashmere, Tweed and Whisky Town, its manufacturing heritage and creativity takes centre stage. Producers throw open their doors: Johnstons of Elgin, Hawico, Lovat Mill, William Lockie, and the Borders Distillery. Browse their shops or take a mill tour at Johnstons of Elgin for a look behind the scenes of cashmere production.

The story of how Hawick and the Scottish Borders have shaped fashion history is told at the Borders Textile Towerhouse nearby. It isn’t just technical advancements that put the region on the map but the creativity of designers such as Bernat Klein, who called this region home. Take the time to enjoy the colourful collections before settling in for the evening.

Making your way from Hawick to Selkirk, you are passing through the landscapes that inspired the colours and textures of famous Scottish textiles. And what could be more famous than tartan! Head to Lochcarron of Scotland, the premier manufacturer of tartan in Scotland, for a tour and browse of their extensive fabric collections. Those particularly keen can even try on traditional Highland wear and take home a memento.

Not far from Selkirk, Galashiels beckons with the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Stitched entirely by volunteers over some 50,000 hours, the 160 panels tell the story of Scotland. One of the world’s largest community projects, it features iconic moments from Scottish history, alongside everyday stories of our communities. After your visit, take the time to wander the town and look out for the colourful murals that represent the town’s history.

Tartan took over the world in some part due to the writing and work of Sir Walter Scott. The poet and novelist also encouraged the wearing of tartan for the royal visit of King George IV in 1822, creating the global ‘tartan craze’ of the time. Wander his home on the banks of the River Tweed, with its grand library and extensive collections. Scott particularly enjoyed telling stories through his house – so look out for items from real history and some that might have stepped out of one of his novels.