Heriot Watt’s collections reflect the courses the University has taught – both now and in the past. You can find examples of art, sculpture and textiles and information on local history relating to the Currie, Juniper Green, Balerno and Colinton areas of Edinburgh. The archives and museum also have information and objects relating to the history of the University, teaching aids, equipment and instruments, and also hold the records of the long-closed Leith Nautical College.
Collections can be found at both their Edinburgh and Scottish Borders campuses. The Heriot Watt museum is located at their Edinburgh campus.
You can also see a range of online exhibitions on their website.
1. Cameron Smail Library
The collections housed in Edinburgh cover the history of the University, history of the local area, and the art collection which focuses on the Edinburgh School graduates of Edinburgh College of Art. Selected sculptures can be seen around the campus.
Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS
Tel: 0131 451 3218
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Museum is currently only open by appointment.
To book an individual, group or school visit email heritage@hw.ac.uk or call 0131 451 3218.
Information on how to get to the Edinburgh campus, including directions, public transport and other routes, can be found at https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/edinburgh/maps-directions.htm
If driving to visit, it is best to use Car Park H (free parking) and walk to the library. When you reach the library entrance, turn left at the bottom of the stairs and make your way round to the back of the building where you will find the entrance to the museum.
For further information visit https://www.hw.ac.uk/services/is/heritage/museum/visit-the-museum.htm or see their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hwarchive?ref=hl
The museum is fully accessible to those with mobility issues. If you require further assistance, please contact
heritage@hw.ac.uk or call 0131 451 3218 in advance of your visit.
2. Textile and design collections
Heriot Watt’s Scottish Borders campus in Galashiels is home to the university’s textile and design collections. The collections include examples of tweed and tartan – some very rare, as well as furnishing fabrics, paisley shawls, costumes, international textiles and lace.
To explore the collections online, visit https://www.hw.ac.uk/services/is/heritage/textile-collection.htm
Nether Road, Galashiels TD1 3HF
Tel: 0131 451 3218
The textile collections here are very much a research resource, so there are no standard opening hours. To visit the collections, you’ll have to book. Please contact the campus on 0131 451 3218
or email heritage@hw.ac.uk in advance to arrange a visit.
Information on how to get to the Galashiels campus, including directions, public transport and other routes, can be found at https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/borders/maps-directions.htm
To find out more, see https://www.hw.ac.uk/services/is/heritage/textile-collection.htm or visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Heriot-Watt-University-Textile-Collection-221156908005684/
The museum is fully accessible to those with mobility issues. If you require further assistance, please contact
heritage@hw.ac.uk or call 0131 451 3218 in advance of your visit.
How to find us
Cameron Smail Library
Third Gait, Currie EH14 4AS, UK
Textile and design collections
Main Campus, Unit 1 Nether Rd, Galashiels TD1 3HE, UK