Classes in technical subjects were first introduced to the Borders by the Mechanics Institute in 1867, with limited success. Over the years successive attempts were made, primarily by the Galashiels Manufacturers Corporation, to increase the number and quality of these classes. In 1883 they started classes in weaving, dyeing and chemistry under the direction of Mr. Thomas Welsh. In 1889 the Burgh School Board took over the running of the classes from the Manufacturing Corporation, resulting in the Galashiels Combined Technical School. The governing body consisted of representatives from the Manufacturers Corporation, Burgh School Board, and the Engineering and Building trades. In 1898, Mr. Thomas Oliver was employed to take charge of the technical classes. Initially classes were held within the Public Hall but due to class numbers were transferred in 1894 to the Roxburgh Street School. In 1902 they occupied Burns Hall and in 1905, Ladhope Vale.
Successor bodies of the School include the South of Scotland Central Technical College, the Scottish Woollen Technical College, the Scottish College of Textiles, and the Scottish Borders Campus of Heriot-Watt University.
From the guide to the Galashiels Combined Technical School, 1889-1909, (Heriot-Watt University Archives)
