Visitor Numbers Decline at Great Tapestry of Scotland Centre
The Great Tapestry of Scotland centre, located in the Borders, has reported its lowest full-year visitor figures since its opening in 2021.
This information was revealed in a performance report on Live Borders, the charity responsible for operating the site, which was presented to councillors this week.
In its first full year of operation, 2022/23, the centre recorded 22,303 visitors and maintained visitor numbers exceeding 22,000 in the two subsequent years.
However, the figures declined to 20,962 in 2025/26. Live Borders stated that this decrease aligns with trends observed at other regional sites and highlighted that it has "exciting plans" to further develop the attraction in the future.
The £6.8 million tapestry centre features 160 panels that depict 420 million years of Scotland's history, heritage, innovations, and culture.
The centre was funded through public money based on a 2016 business case which projected more than 50,000 paying visitors annually. Despite this, visitor numbers have not reached half of that estimate since opening.
The decision to locate the centre in Galashiels was made about ten years ago, after initial plans had considered the Tweedbank terminus of the Borders Railway as the site. The centre was envisioned as a significant catalyst for regeneration in the area.
Figures indicate that the Great Tapestry centre remains the third most popular attraction managed by Live Borders, following two sites in Jedburgh: the Mary Queen of Scots visitor centre and the town's castle jail museum.
During its first partial year of operation, the Great Tapestry site welcomed 12,386 visitors. This was followed by 22,303 visitors in 2022/23, 22,115 in 2023/24, 22,413 in 2024/25, and 20,962 in 2025/26, representing a decrease of approximately 6% compared to the previous year.
Overall visitor numbers across all Live Borders sites showed a 4% decline over the same period.
Live Borders Response and Future Plans
Catriona McAllister, chief executive of Live Borders, commented on the performance of the site, noting its alignment with regional tourism trends.
"The Great Tapestry of Scotland's visitor numbers remain broadly in line with tourism trends across the Scottish Borders," she said.
"While the sector continues to navigate economic pressures and changing visitor behaviours, the Great Tapestry of Scotland is still one of the region's most popular visitor attractions.
Looking ahead, we have a number of exciting plans and new opportunities in development that will further enhance the visitor experience at the centre, and we look forward to sharing more details soon."
The Mary Queen of Scots visitor centre, the most popular attraction run by Live Borders in the region, continues to lead in visitor numbers, followed by the castle jail museum in Jedburgh.
