Facilities
Heriot-Watt's Scottish Borders Campus offers some of the best production facilities for textiles and fashion in the UK.
Our specialist workshops, studios and digital suites provide our students hands-on experience with professional tools, traditional craft techniques and cutting-edge technologies.
The Constructed Textiles Workshop
A shared creative space equipped with traditional looms, digital equipment and a full range of knitting machines. Students develop skills in computer-aided design, using professional tools for linking and finishing, and are supported by an extensive selection of yarns and materials for experimentation.
Mac labs and creative suites
Students across all programmes have access to specialist Mac labs and creative suites featuring Adobe Creative Cloud, iPads, and industry-standard digital tools. Facilities include a state-of-the-art photography studio, with an AR/VR suite and dedicated podcast studio opening soon.
Print Room
A fully equipped screen-printing department for printing on a range of materials. The print room includes a variety of screen types and processes, heat presses, steamers, washing and drying equipment, and a chemistry lab with fume cupboards for mixing dyes and pastes.
Digital Print Room
Offering digital printing on both fabric and paper, the space includes a Mimaki reactive dye printer for natural fabrics, Epson wide-format printers, sublimation printers, a RISO Risograph and a HeatJet rotary heat press. A range of natural and synthetic fabrics is available for student use.
Fashion and sewing workshops
The large-scale workshops feature industrial sewing machines, pressing equipment and space for pattern cutting, draping, and garment construction. Students gain industry-ready skills to produce professional-quality garments.
Library
The library in the main Borders College building offers books, journals, licensed software and extensive online databases. It provides individual and group study spaces, alongside scanning, printing, photocopying and binding facilities. Macs are available within the library.
Catering
The main building provides a full catering service, with an on-site café and bistro, offering fresh salads, sandwiches, hot meals and barista coffee. Its bright, open space is ideal for relaxing or catching up with friends between classes that is open to all students. Our High Mill student lounge is equipped with fridges, toasters and kettles for all your needs, as well as vending machines for a quick coffee or snack.
Archives and museum
The University Heritage service holds a significant Textiles Collection, featuring embroidery, paisley shawls, fabrics and garments that highlight the Scottish Borders’ global role in textiles from the 18th century onward. Staff support students in using the archives for learning and research.