In Hawick, the Borders Textile Towerhouse explores the region’s textile industry, from traditional weaving and spinning to modern production. Displays include looms, a spinning wheel and an exhibition on textile designer Bernat Klein, with videos explaining how textiles are made. The building combines a historic stone tower with an old mill converted into a café and cultural centre. Look up at the vaulted ceiling in the tower’s ground-floor room, then browse the shop for locally made items. Children can also take part in hands-on textile workshops.
Textiles in the Borders
The Towerhouse traces the Borders’ textile industry, including the history of tweed and knitwear. Displays explain traditional ways of weaving and spinning alongside newer production methods. A spinning wheel and looms give the craft a physical scale, while videos show more of the process.
The exhibition on Bernat Klein focuses on his work in textiles. It adds a designer’s perspective to displays about the skills and production behind the region’s industry.
A tower and a former mill
The museum is set in a historic stone tower in Hawick. Its ground-floor room has a vaulted ceiling, a detail worth looking up to see. The surrounding cultural centre includes an old stone mill converted for use as a café and cultural space.
A shop sells locally made items, and children can join hands-on workshops related to textiles. Staff can also share information about Hawick and its surroundings.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is admission to the Borders Textile Towerhouse free?
Yes, admission is free.
Where is the Borders Textile Towerhouse?
It is at 1 Tower Knowe in Hawick, in the Scottish Borders.
What can you see at the museum?
Displays cover textiles, weaving, spinning, tweed and knitwear, with an exhibition on Bernat Klein and videos about textile production.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Children can take part in hands-on textile workshops.
