We are delighted to report that – for the second year running – The Great Tapestry of Scotland centre in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, has been awarded a place in Tripadvisor’s Top 10% of Attractions WORLDWIDE.

This is a massive achievement. Huge congrats to Sandy Maxwell Forbes and her superb team in Galashiels.
If you haven’t visited yet – what are you waiting for!

Statement from the GTS team in Galashiels:

The Great Tapestry of Scotland has been recognised among the top 10% of visitor attrations worldwide, as it was named a winner of the Tripadvisor® Travellers’ Choice® Awards for 2025 for the second year running. This comes soon after the news that the five star visitor experience, one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Borders, was shortlisted for three other business awards, with peers celebrating its achievements in tourism and enterprise.

This global, national and local recognition reflects another fantastic year for the iconic Galashiels visitor attraction, which is one of the UK’s most significant pieces of modern-day documentary heritage, that tells the story of Scotland (including the Scottish Borders) from millions of years BC to present day.

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award is a prestigious honour based entirely on authentic reviews and ratings from real travellers over the past 12 months. As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor’s awards are a trusted mark of excellence, shining a light on destinations and attractions that consistently deliver unforgettable experiences.

Speaking about their most recent success, Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, Centre Director said: We are absolutely thrilled to win a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for the second year running, so soon after being named a finalist in the South of Scotland Thistle Awards and the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards 2025. This is testament to the passion, creativity, and hard work that our small team puts into creating a consistently five star visitor experience. We are honoured to be celebrated both nationally, internationally and locally, and remain committed to providing an inspiring and inclusive experience for every visitor who walks through our doors. We would like to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who has taken the time to visit us, leave a review, and share their experiences, and of course the community which plays a key part in making the centre a success. Your kind words, support and enthusiasm have helped make this achievement possible, and is important now more than ever as we continue to operate through a cost of living crisis. Every review helps others discover the magic and beauty of The Great Tapestry of Scotland, and we are truly grateful for your continued encouragement.

“Whether you are discovering the powerful stories woven into one of the world’s largest exhibits of modern documentary heritage or enjoying the vibrant culture of the Scottish Borders, The Great Tapestry of Scotland continues to be a must-visit destination in 2025.”

Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor added:“Congratulations to The Great Tapestry of Scotland on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2025. Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2025 and beyond.”

Globally acclaimed author the visionary behind The Great Tapestry of Scotland Alexander McCall Smith said he was ”delighted to hear that – for the second year running – The Great Tapestry of Scotland centre in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, has been awarded a place in Tripadvisor’s Top 10% of Attractions worldwide. This is a massive achievement. Huge congratulations to Sandy Maxwell-Forbes and her superb team in Galashiels.”

The latest award news came just a week after The Great Tapestry of Scotland was shortlisted for three additional accolades, including the Inclusion Award at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards, which recognises the Tapestry’s outstanding dedication to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all and ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or ability, can engage with and enjoy what the visitor centre offers. From accessible facilities and inclusive programming to active engagement with underrepresented communities, this nomination reflects the Centre’s core values and ongoing efforts to remove barriers and celebrate diversity.

On hearing this news, John Lamont MP  wrote to The Great Tapestry of Scotland team to say: “I would like to congratulate you on becoming a finalist at the 2025 South of Scotland Thistle Awards for receiving nomination for the Inclusion Award. This is an incredible achievement and fantastic show of all the hard work you have been putting in over the years. The whole of the Borders is very proud of you, as am I.”

The visitor centre has also been shortlisted for the Environmental Impact and Community Awards, at the Scottish Borders Business Excellence Awards 2025. The Environmental Impact nomination recognises the Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre’s  proactive approach to environmental stewardship and sustainability. The visitor centre team has implemented a range of eco-conscious initiatives, from reducing the visitor centre’s carbon footprint and enhancing waste management systems, to using locally sourced and sustainable materials. Being shortlisted for this award underscores the attraction’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and leading positive change within tourism and the wider community.

Mags Fenner Project Manager BID for Galashiels said “BID for Galashiels are delighted to see The Great Tapestry of Scotland recognised with TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Award for the second year running. This world-class attraction puts Galashiels on the map as a cultural destination and draws visitors from near and far. Local shops, cafés and restaurants have felt the benefit of increased footfall, with many visitors choosing to explore and support our high street after experiencing the Tapestry. It’s also been inspiring to see school children from across the region engage with the Tapestry as a rich and accessible way to learn about Scottish and Borders history and culture. We’re proud to have such a globally recognised centre at the heart of Galashiels.”

The Community Impact Award highlights the centre’s significant and meaningful contribution to the wellbeing and vibrancy of the local community. Through collaborative projects, cultural outreach, education programmes, and support for local causes, the team has worked to ensure that the visitor centre has a positive and lasting impact. This nomination reflects the deep-rooted connection with the people of the Scottish Borders and belief in culture as a force for community enrichment and cohesion.

Scott Hamilton, Deputy Council Leader of Scottish Borders Council added: “The national and international recognition of The Great Tapestry of Scotland is not just a celebration of an exceptional visitor experience, it is a proud moment for the entire Scottish Borders. It showcases the creative spirit, heritage, and ambition of our communities. As a region, we are immensely proud to be home to such a culturally significant destination, which continues to attract and inspire people from all over the world. This success underlines the power of place-based investment and the lasting impact it can have on our economy, tourism and identity.”

Read Tripadvisor reviews and discover more about The Great Tapestry of Scotland here