Robert Smail’s Printing Works - Free tours this month
Robert Smail's Printing Works is a gem in Innerleithen that offers a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's industrial heritage. Operated since 1986 by the National Trust for Scotland, this Victorian-era printing works is the oldest working commercial letterpress printers in the UK. It has been preserved as a living museum, where visitors can see authentic machinery in action and even try their hand at traditional typesetting and printing. I visited for a tour with my 6 year old daughter last year, and we had a blast ‘making an impression’ and ‘minding our p’s and q’s’!
The printing works is more than just a museum; it's a vibrant piece of history that still produces stationery, posters and cards using original techniques - with the onsite printers shop now selling products exclusively printed in Innerleithen. Guided tours take to you the Office, which remains virtually unchanged since 1866, and even has a packet of cigarettes which were left the day the Smail family sold the building to the National Trust. Entering the works themselves, you can see the only working waterwheel left on Innerleithen’s mill lade, though it doesn’t power the works anymore! The you enter the Caseroom, where you can learn about the meticulous process of setting type by hand. The experience is immersive, with the sights, sounds, and even smells (grease and ink!) of a working printers.
For locals in Innerleithen, visiting Robert Smail's Printing Works is a rare chance to connect with the town's history and appreciate the craftsmanship of a bygone era - it is something I strongly recommend. Smail’s is a unique, hands-on experience that combines education, nostalgia and a touch of creativity — perfect for families, history buffs, or anyone looking for something different. The good news is that the National Trust is taking part in the National Lottery backed Open Week (15th, 17th, 20th, 21st & 22nd of March), so you can get a free tour (perfect for the, lets be honest here, thrift minded St Ronanite’s…) All you need to do is book online, and present a lottery ticket or scratch card on the day.
For more details, and the all important booking info, just click the link below. Make the most of this rare opportunity to explore the past and support an Innerleithen institution.
