Overview

The Heritage Hub is the home of the Scottish Borders Archive and Local Studies collections. I visited to do some family history research. I found it welcoming and accessible. Currently (2023) it is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:30-16:30.

Transport & Parking

The Heritage Hub is in the town centre and easy to get to by bus. The X95 Borders Bus from Edinburgh, via Galashiels, to Carlisle stops at Hawick. There are also a few local buses. Travelling from Edinburgh or Galashiels, the nearest bus stop is called Travel Agents. From there it is a minutes level walk. When you get off the bus continue straight ahead. Keeping on the same side of the road. On the corner of the street is a sculpture of five figures with a flag. The building is on the opposite side of the road, slightly set back and almost directly opposite the statue. Please note, on return I retraced my steps expecting to pick up the bus in the opposite direction on the High Street, and ended up walking its entire length. I had to ask for directions, and ended up walking to the bus stop outside Morrison's in Mart Street, a distance of 0.5 miles. I'm sure there must be an closer bus stop for the return journey, so please check. There is no train station in Hawick. The nearest train station is Galashiels and from there you can get the X95 bus to Hawick, in the direction of Carlisle.

Access

The entrance has double push button doors. The Heritage Hub is on the ground floor. There is a low information desk. To view the documents there are desks with free standing chairs.

Toilets

Sorry I did not use the toilet while I was there.

Staff

Staff were super helpful and extremely welcoming and friendly. I visited to view a document which had my second times great grandfather mentioned in it. I had emailed them before to pre-order the item. It was waiting for me when I arrived. They were helpful with explaining how to access their catalogue. Very positive experience.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This is a great place to go if you are doing family history research for relatives who lived in the Scottish Borders. They also have special collections which includes Sir Walter Scott's documents. Utterly fascinating and super helpful.

Photos