MP John Lamont Visits “Old Gala Club Goes By Train” Exhibition at Old Gala House

The Old Gala Club was delighted to welcome local MP John Lamont to Old Gala House on Friday 27 June 2025, for a special visit to the newly launched exhibition Old Gala Club Goes By Train.

Mr Lamont praised the exhibition, calling it:

“A wonderful exhibition – full of interesting facts and information. Well worth the visit! Well done to everyone who pulled it together.”

His visit highlights the importance of local heritage projects like this one, which explore and celebrate the unique history of Galashiels and its long-standing connection to the railway. Curated by the Old Gala Club in partnership with Live Borders, Old Gala Club Goes By Train 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 exhibition 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.

Assistant Curator Phoebe Stewart of Live Borders commented:

“It’s been a pleasure working with the Old Gala Club on this exhibition. The passion and dedication they’ve shown in telling the story of the railway’s impact on Galashiels is truly inspiring. We’re proud to support this celebration of local heritage.”

An Old Gala Club spokesperson added:

“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.”

Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, local resident, or lover of history, Old Gala Club Goes By Train offers a compelling and nostalgic insight into how the tracks helped shape Galashiels’ identity.

Live Borders have an exciting and diverse range of exhibitions and live events in 2025, to find out more visit https://www.liveborders.org.uk/museum-exhibitions-events/

 

Opening Date: 14 June 2025
Location: Old Gala House, Scott Crescent, Galashiels, TD1 3JS
Opening Dates: Saturday 14 June 2025 – Tuesday 30 September 2025
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10:00-16:00, Closed Sundays
Admission: Free Admission, Donations Welcomed

 

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