This historic printing works showcases a collection of vintage printing presses and equipment, offering a glimpse into the evolution of printing technology.
Great tour and very enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guides. It was a lot of fun and so impressive to see the old machines and the old offices with all the little details. Join a tour in case you are in the area :)
Robert Smail's Printing Works tour, operated by National Trust Scotland, provides an enjoyable and educational experience in the history of commercial printing at this small establishment. The staff were fabulous with their knowledge and dedication to this craft. The tour was particularly engaging because it was active and interactive. First, the guides described the printing works' history and showed various printed materials since the mid-1800s. Later, they demonstrated the earliest manual printing methods, and during the latter part of the tour operated some of the semi-automated machinery. During the middle of the tour, visitors were given the opportunity to set the type for their names, which was then pressed for a printed souvenir. We found parking along Hall Street, which had several free parking spaces in the late afternoon. Further down that street is a car park with free parking. NOTE: Visited in mid-September 2023.
An amazing place with amazing people. All of them were very helpful and we all had a great time. Definitely worth visiting if you are around. Prices are very reasonable too.
What a fantastic day at R. Smal & Sons in Innerleithen. The printing business has been there since the mid-1800s and actually printed the very first 4 page weekly tabloid newspaper the St Ronans Standard. The National Trust rescued the business, and it's still printing today with the original victorian equipment. Staff were very welcoming, helpful, attentive, and very knowledgeable. Colin, our tour guide was awesome and was very passionate about his trade and the work that the business is still producing.
What a great tour to find about the history of printing and seeing the machines close up in action. Still a working business. Thanks to Jack for instructing us on how to set our own type to make a sample. Colin was a wealth of information. Jamie in the shop cheerful and friendly. And of course there is the Outlander connection which drew me there in the first place.
It's great experience. Very nice and informative tour guides on site. Not really for small children .
On-site services
Restaurant
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Good for kids
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Great tour and very enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guides. It was a lot of fun and so impressive to see the old machines and the old offices with all the little details. Join a tour in case you are in the area :)
Robert Smail's Printing Works tour, operated by National Trust Scotland, provides an enjoyable and educational experience in the history of commercial printing at this small establishment. The staff were fabulous with their knowledge and dedication to this craft. The tour was particularly engaging because it was active and interactive. First, the guides described the printing works' history and showed various printed materials since the mid-1800s. Later, they demonstrated the earliest manual printing methods, and during the latter part of the tour operated some of the semi-automated machinery. During the middle of the tour, visitors were given the opportunity to set the type for their names, which was then pressed for a printed souvenir. We found parking along Hall Street, which had several free parking spaces in the late afternoon. Further down that street is a car park with free parking. NOTE: Visited in mid-September 2023.
An amazing place with amazing people. All of them were very helpful and we all had a great time. Definitely worth visiting if you are around. Prices are very reasonable too.
What a fantastic day at R. Smal & Sons in Innerleithen. The printing business has been there since the mid-1800s and actually printed the very first 4 page weekly tabloid newspaper the St Ronans Standard. The National Trust rescued the business, and it's still printing today with the original victorian equipment. Staff were very welcoming, helpful, attentive, and very knowledgeable. Colin, our tour guide was awesome and was very passionate about his trade and the work that the business is still producing.
What a great tour to find about the history of printing and seeing the machines close up in action. Still a working business. Thanks to Jack for instructing us on how to set our own type to make a sample. Colin was a wealth of information. Jamie in the shop cheerful and friendly. And of course there is the Outlander connection which drew me there in the first place.
It's great experience. Very nice and informative tour guides on site. Not really for small children .
