A national visitor attraction in the Borders has been praised for making Scotland's history accessible to all.

The Great Tapestry of Scotland visitor centre, in Galashiels, has been recognised by groups including EuansGuide.com, ASVA, and VisitScotland, as well as visitors, for its efforts to make history, heritage, and culture inclusive.

The centre, which is ranked in the top 10 per cent of Tripadvisor listings worldwide, is celebrating its third year.

Sandy Maxwell-Forbes, centre director, said: "We have achieved so many wonderful accolades since opening, including our five-star accreditation and endorsement by a number of high-profile figures, including Their Majesties The King and Queen and Outlander actor Sam Heughan, but receiving a Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award and hearing the positive feedback from individuals and groups who so often face barriers to learning our history, really is the pinnacle of success for us.

"It evidences that we are connecting people and communities with Scotland’s history, heritage and culture, which has been at the very heart of our vision right from the beginning."

£21,000 in funding has been provided to the centre to allow free educational access for children (Image: Phil Wilkinson / Great Tapestry of Scotland) The centre offers a 'range' of visual, tactile, and digital displays, tours, workshops, and educational programmes.

It aims to cater to people of all ages and backgrounds, including those with language barriers, learning differences, and different abilities.

Michael Golding, CEO of the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA), said: "One of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Borders, The Great Tapestry of Scotland has been an incredible success, capturing the hearts of visitors from around the world who provided outstanding feedback through consumer review platforms, including Euan’s Guide and Tripadvisor.

"It not only showcases the rich history and culture of Scotland in a truly unique way but also brings communities together through the stories it tells and its inclusive approach."

The centre has also been commended by EuansGuide.com, a website that provides information for disabled people.

Antonia Lee-Bapty, CEO at EuansGuide.com, said: "It's great to see attractions like The Great Tapestry of Scotland showing that historical Scotland can be accessible.

"It's clear from our community's reviews on EuansGuide.com that this unique visitor centre offers a welcoming and engaging experience, with many praising the consideration given to inclusivity."

This year, the centre secured more than £21,000 through the National Lottery Awards for All, local businesses, and Borders Railway Communities Partnership.

This funding will allow more than 2,600 Scottish pupils free access to educational opportunities and resources at the centre.

The centre also launched its 300 words competition, with support from globally acclaimed authors including Sir Alexander McCall Smith, Julia Donaldson, Jackie Kay, Damian Barr, and Alan Windram.

Mrs Jane Johnston, P6 class teacher at St Peter's Primary School, Galashiels, said of her involvement with the centre's Junior Tour Guide Programme: "We are so lucky to have this thought-provoking artwork right here on our doorstep.

"It is a magnificent educational resource for every pupil – full of stunning visual details to introduce a broad range of subjects from history, culture, art and modern studies to maths, science, geography and so much more."