Early 20th century; first clearly shown on 1930 mapping · Boleside Road · Category C listed, LB50673
An early twentieth-century steel footbridge over the former Selkirk branch line, preserving one of the few structural traces of Galashiels' earlier railway network.
Last reviewed: 22 July 2026
Quick Facts
| Date / main phases | Early 20th century; first clearly shown on 1930 mapping |
|---|---|
| Location | Boleside Road |
| Building or site type | Railway footbridge |
| Designation | Category C listed, LB50673 |
| Architect or designer | Not identified |
| Current use | Pedestrian connection over the former railway formation |
| Public access | Public pedestrian route; conditions should be checked locally |
Why It Matters
The footbridge is modest but unusually informative. The former Selkirk line has largely disappeared, so its lattice towers, riveted parapets and gates make the alignment and engineering of the railway readable in the present landscape.
The Story
The Selkirk branch opened in 1856, connecting the burgh to the wider North British Railway system through Galashiels. The footbridge is later: HES dates it to the early twentieth century and notes that it becomes evident on mapping by 1930.
Two tapered mild-steel lattice towers support the crossing. Curved steel buttresses, riveted diamond-lattice parapets and a textured steel deck create a structure that is light in appearance but clearly engineered. Cast-iron gateposts with ball finials and paired wrought-iron gates survive at the approaches.
HES suggests that the bridge may have been provided to connect developing housing at the eastern end of Abbotsford Road with the riverside. This is plausible, but the reason is not stated as certain and should remain an interpretation rather than a settled fact.
Passenger trains to Selkirk ceased in 1951 and goods traffic ended in 1964. Although the railway purpose disappeared, the bridge continued to connect neighbourhoods and riverside walks across the surviving embankments.
Its survival matters because stations, track and many associated structures were removed. A small piece of infrastructure can therefore carry a disproportionate amount of evidence about movement, recreation and the growth of housing on the edge of the town.
Things to Notice
- The tapered lattice support towers
- Riveted diamond-pattern parapets
- Curved steel buttresses
- Cast-iron gateposts with ball finials
- The former railway cutting or embankment beneath the crossing
Significance Scores
| Criterion | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural interest | 4 / 5 | An expressive and substantially complete lattice-steel footbridge. |
| Historical importance | 4 / 5 | One of the few surviving structures of the former branch railway. |
| Social significance | 4 / 5 | It continued to link housing and riverside routes after railway closure. |
| Rarity | 5 / 5 | A scarce survivor of the earlier Galashiels rail network. |
| Townscape contribution | 3 / 5 | A local landmark whose meaning depends on the former railway alignment. |
Scores follow the published significance-scoring methodology. They are interpretive judgements, not statutory designations.
Timeline
- 1856 – the Selkirk branch railway opens
- Early 20th century – the footbridge is constructed
- 1930 – it is clearly evident on mapping
- 1951 – passenger service on the branch ends
- 1964 – goods service closes
- Later period – the bridge continues as a pedestrian link
Notes and Uncertainties
The bridge should not be confused with other railway footbridges photographed in northern Galashiels. Its exact construction date and the reason for its provision remain uncertain. The suggestion that it served new housing and recreation is explicitly presented by HES as a possibility.
Image and Licence Notes
Ian S’s 2020 photograph is reused through Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 2.0. Its geotag, subject description and visible gates, ball-finial posts and lattice sides identify the Boleside Road bridge. It should not be confused with the different footbridge over the former Waverley line in northern Galashiels.
Related Places
- Galafoot Railway Viaduct over the Tweed
- Galashiels Railway Station and Transport Interchange
- Galavale House and Lodge