Old Gala House Information Leaflet

OLD GALA HOUSE An historically significant, vibrant museum and gallery nestled in the heart of Galashiels.

www.liveborders.org.uk

WHAT’S HERE Set in beautifully maintained grounds near the centre of Galashiels, Old Gala House is an impressive building dating back to 1583. Once home to the Lairds of Galashiels with over 400 years of history, the house is now an engaging museum and gallery.

As well as the permanent museum displays, Old Gala House hosts a dynamic programme of visual art, educational and local interest exhibitions and events throughout the season.

The Thomas Clapperton Room is dedicated to locally-born sculptor Thomas Clapperton (1879-1962), famous for the London Liberty Store frieze and ‘Border Reiver’ war memorial. It contains superb examples of his work as well as information about his background.

The colourful Painted Ceiling dating from 1635 is a rare example of this Scottish tradition.

The Pringle Gallery and Café is open throughout the season with a Gift Shop, free WiFi and a variety of cakes and refreshments.

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OCCASIONS

Old Gala House is a very popular venue for meetings and societies with a number of rooms available for hire. The house and gardens are used for weddings throughout the year, as well as for the graduation celebrations of the Borders campus of Heriot-Watt University.

EDUCATION

We are happy to accommodate specially arranged group visits and educational events connected with the venue, collections or exhibitions. Contact us to make arrangements. l

We have a free fun children’s Snail Trail in the Painted Wall and Painted Ceiling Rooms.

Join in our Family Fun Trail which takes you around the displays and exhibitions at Old Gala House (small charge applies).

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GARDENS

The exquisite gardens are part of the Scottish Borders Council annual planting and are maintained by volunteers from the Gala in Bloom group. Open all-year-round, this tranquil area features a water fountain, small waterfall, a number of commemorative benches and a SiMBA Tree of Tranquility.

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ACCESS AND FACILITIES

Wheelchair access to the ground floor. Disabled access to the upper floor is limited and is via a stair lift.

Guide dogs allowed.

Café & Gift Shop during the open season.

PARKING

There is free private car parking at the front of the building.

TOILETS

Facilities, including disabled toilet, are located on the ground floor.

#LiveBorders

ADMISSION The museum is free of charge but donations are welcome.

We are a charity. Every penny you spend with us is reinvested into supporting active, creative and healthy communities in the Scottish Borders.

OPENING TIMES: April & May Tuesday – Saturday 10:00-16:00 (Open Easter Sunday and Easter Monday) June – August Monday – Saturday 10:00-16:00, Sunday 13:00-16:00 September Tuesday – Saturday 10:00-16:00, Sunday 13:00-16:00 October Tuesday – Friday 13:00-16:00, Saturday 10:00-16:00, Sunday 13:00-16:00

CONTACT US Old Gala House Scott Crescent Galashiels TD1 3JS t: 01896 752611/01750 726456 email: museums@LiveBorders1.org.uk www.liveborders.org.uk #LiveBorders

Live Borders is a registered Charity No.SCO34227