Gala Braw Lads 2012
Photo: Rob Gray
Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering 2012
Established in 1930 to celebrate the town‘s history. Preliminary events precede the main ceremonies on the Saturday which begin with the Braw Lad receiving the Burgh Flag and leading his mounted supporters to the Raid Stane. Here in 1337 Gala lads killed English raiders in a field of wild plums.
The ride continues with crossing the Tweed to Abbotsford and returns to the Old Town cross where the creation of Galashiels as a Burgh of Barony in 1599 is recalled.
The ceremony of sod and stone (sasine) is enacted and red and white roses mingled on a base of thistles to commemorate the marriage of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor.
Gala Braw Lad and Lass Galloping up Scott Street, Galashiels
Photo: Rob Gray
Braw Lads' Gathering Events
FRIDAY 20TH APRIL - Declaration night
FRIDAY 18th MAY - Spurs Ride out
FRIDAY 25th MAY- Threepwood Ride out
FRIDAY 22ND JUNE - COUNTRY DANCE
The Country Dance is held in the Volunteer Hall
SATURDAY 23rd JUNE - SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DISCOS
The Discos are held in the Volunteer Hall,
SATURDAY 23rd JUNE - BRAW LADS’ BALL
The Braw Lads’ Ball will be held in Galashiels Academy
SUNDAY 24TH JUNE - BRAW LAD'S SPORTS
The Sports take place in the afternoon on the back pitches at Netherdale
MONDAY 25TH JUNE - LINDEAN RIDE OUT Horses ride to Galafoot where they cross the water and continue onto Lindean, After the ceremony at the Old Church Yard they ride back towards Gala for the Chases that take place near Hollybush. Continuing back into the town
WEDNESDAY 27th JUNE - TORWOODLEE RIDEOUT
The horses leave the Currie Road and proceed by way of Market St, Bank St, High St, Bridge Place, Magdala Terr, and Edinburgh Road to Torwoodlee.
Returning to meet up with band at Wilderhaugh and follow the Fancy Dress Parade round the centre of the town.
On returning from Torwoodlee the President of the Gathering, the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and Attendants appear on the Balcony of the Burgh Chambers with the symbols of Sod & Stone taken from Torwoodlee and used at Saturday mornings ceremony at the Old Town Cross.
WEDNESDAY 27TH JUNE - FANCY DRESS PARADE
Held in the Scott Park, Scott Cres.which follows the following route Scott St, Gala Park, Kirk Brae, Hall St, Island St, High St, Bank St, St John St..
THURSDAY 28TH JUNE - OVERSEAS & CIVIC RECEPTION This event takes place in the Volunteer Hall. Anyone who has visitors coming from overseas should contact the Clerk to the Gathering:- Miss Hazel Newlands 123 Scott St Galashiels 01896 750669
FRIDAY 29TH JUNE - INVESTITURE RECEPTION
This event takes place in the Volunteer Hall .
SATURDAY 30TH JUNE - BRAW LADS’ DAY All below time are based on last years event and will be up dated
8.00 a.m. |
Braw Lads Receives Burgh Flag |
8.40 a.m. |
Raid Stane Ceremony |
9.00 a.m. |
Fording the River Tweed at Abbotsford |
9.15 a.m |
Visit Abbotsford House |
9.45 a.m. |
Fording Tweed at Boleside |
10.00 a.m. |
Gallop over Gala Hill |
10.30 a.m. |
Old Town Cross Ceremony |
11.00 a.m. |
Visit Laird of Gala at Old Gala House |
11.30. a.m. |
Cavalcade will proceed by way of Scott Street, Gala Park, Kirk Brae, Hall Street, Island St, High St, Channel St, Market Street to War Memorial. |
12 noon |
War Memorial Final Act of Homage |
12.15 p.m. |
Braw Lad returns Burgh Flag to the President of the Gathering |
SATURDAY 30TH JUNE - ROSES CEREMONY
This ceremony takes place at the War Memorial at 8.00 p.m. after the Ex Braw Lads and Lasses have marched along Bank Street to take part.
SATURDAY 30TH JUNE - UNSASHING CEREMONY
Takes place in the Upper Lounge of the Volunteer Hall after the Roses Ceremony.
SATURDAY 30TH JUNE - FINAL FLING – Saturday 2nd July
This event is run by the Ex Braw Lads and Lasses Assoc. and is held in the Volunteer Hall
SUNDAY 1ST JULY - SERVICE AT GALA AISLE (weather permitting)
Contact:
Clerk to the Gathering, Hazel Newlands 123 Scott Street Galashiels
Tel. No 01896 750669