The Braw Lads' Gathering

The Braw Lads' Gathering was first arranged in 1930, a revival of the ancient Galashiels Fair, held to form a definite rallying point for all residents in Galashiels and District, and for natives from the area in all parts of the world who if they cannot be present in person, may join in spirit with those present.

The Braw Lads' Gathering is held on the Saturday nearest the 30th day of June and commemorates the events of history of Galashiels, the defeat of the English Raiding Party by the men of Galashiels in 1337 at the Englishmen's Syke, the Sasine of Ettrick Forest to Margaret Tudor in 1503, being the first ceremony on Scottish soil in connection with her marriage to King James IV of Scotland, an event that which led directly to the Union of Crowns of England and Scotland one hundred years later and the foundation of the Burgh of Galashiels by presentation by the then proprietor of Gala Estates, of the Burgh Charter in 1559.

The Burgh Flag

The Burgh Flag carried by the Braw Lad on Braw Lads' Day is basically the Cross of St Andrew, at the centre of the cross is depicted a wreath of Red and White Roses with the National Emblem of Scotland - the thistle which encircles the date of 1503. The date 1503 commemorates the marriage of James IV of Scotland to Margaret Tudor (Royal House of York and Lancaster) and became known as the marriage of the Thistle and the Rose. Margaret Tudor's Dowry was the lands of Ettrick Forest which was handed over by the traditional ceremony of Sasine (Sod and Stone) at or near the present Old Town Cross.

The bottom half of the Flag shows the Pringle family Coat-of-Arms and the date 1599. The Pringle Family owned the land of Galashiels and were leaders of the Braw Lads' under Douglas. The date reminds us that a charter was granted in that year, by this family, creating Galashiels a Burgh of Barony.

The right hand section shows the Douglas Family Coat-of-Arms. In 1321 Robert the Bruce gave the Forests of Ettrick to Lord James Douglas, and the men of the area of which Galashiels was a part became vassals of the Douglas Family.

The left hand section of the Flag is the Royal Coat-of-Arms of Scotland, as a reminder to all that the men of Galashiels were loyal to the Scottish crown.

The top section is the Burgh Coat-of Arms, the "Sour Plums" and the date 1337. It was in this year that the lads of Galashiels overcame and killed a band of English invaders resting in a grove of wild plum trees, close to Galashiels. This was the first recorded mention in history of the Braw Lads in defence of their native land.

Principals

The Official representatives of the Braw Lads' Gathering are the Braw Lad and Braw Lass, Bearer of the Sod, Bearer of the Red Roses, Bearer of the Stone and Bearer of the White Roses.

Principals serve a three year term of office, boys serve the first year of office as Braw Lad, second year as Bearer of the Sod and third as Bearer of the Stone, the girls serve the first year of office as Braw Lass, second year as Bearer of the Red Roses and third year as Bearer of the White Roses.

Applications are sought for the position of Braw Lad and Braw Lass by placing an advert in the Border Telegraph newspaper in the months of July and December each year with a closing date for completed applications of 31st January. A small sub-committee consisting of seven members of the Braw Lads' Executive is appointed by the members of the Braw Lads' Executive Council to select and appoint the Braw Lad and Braw Lass.

To become Braw Lad or Braw Lass you should have been born in Galashiels or surrounding area (i.e. TD1) or have had your birth registered in Galashiels and / or have been resident in the TD1 area for a period of 7 years, should be single and never have been married and not be married during your first year in office (however are able to marry after your first year in office), should be 18 years of age at 31st January (No upper limit) and should not be a past Principal.

The Principals for 2009 will be announced by the President of the Braw Lads' Gathering from the balcony of the Burgh Chamber at 8.00 p.m. on Friday 24 April.