Town Page | Gallery | History
Gala Braw Lads
Photo: Rob Gray
Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering was 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. Sports and gymkhana bring the week‘s festivities to a close.
Gala Braw Lad and Lass Galloping up Scott Street, Galashiels
Photo: Rob Gray
Dates of Events for 2009 Braw Lads' Gathering
COUNTRY DANCE – Friday 19th June
The Country Dance is held in the Volunteer Hall at 7.30 p.m..
SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DISCOS – Saturday 20th June
The Discos are held in the Volunteer Hall,
BRAW LADS’ BALL – Saturday 20th June
The Braw Lads’ Ball will be held in Galashiels Academy at 7.00 p.m,
SPORTS – Sunday 21st June
The Sports take place in the afternoon on the back pitches at Netherdale from 12.45p.m. apporx.
LINDEAN RIDE – Monday 22nd June
Horses leave at 6.00 p.m. and ride to Galafoot where they cross the water and continue onto Lindean, arriving at approx. 7.45 p.m. 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 for 9.30 p.m. approx.
SWIMMING GALA – Tuesday 23rd June
This event is held at Galashiels Swimming Pool at 6.30 p.m.
Ex BRAW LADS AND LASSES DINNER – Tuesday 23rd June
This event is organised and run by the Ex Braw Lads and Lasses Assoc. and is held in the Volunteer Hall.
TORWOODLEE RIDEOUT – Wednesday 24th June
The horses leave the Currie Road Car Park at 6.00 p.m. 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.
FANCY DRESS PARADE- Wednesday 24th June
Held in the Scott Park, Scott Cres. Galashiels, at 6.45 p.m. followed by a parade at 7.30 apporx., which follows the following route Scott St, Gala Park, Kirk Brae, Hall St, Island St, High St, Bank St, St John St.
CARNIVAL DANCE – Wednesday 24th June
Held in the Volunteer Hall at 10.00 p.m.
OVERSEAS & CIVIC RECEPTION – Thursday 25th June
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
INVESTITURE RECEPTION – Friday 26th June
This event takes place in the Volunteer Hall at 7.30 p.m.
BRAW LADS’ DAY – Saturday 27th June
|
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 |
ROSES CEREMONY – Saturday 27th June
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.
UNSASHING CEREMONY – Saturday 27th June
Takes place in the Upper Lounge of the Volunteer Hall after the Roses Ceremony.
FINAL FLING – Saturday 27th June
This event is run by the Ex Braw Lads and Lasses Assoc. and is held in the Volunteer Hall AT 9.00 P.M.
SERVICE AT GALA AISLE – Sunday 28th June (weather permitting)
Contact:
Clerk to the Gathering, Hazel Newlands 123 Scott Street Galashiels
Tel. No 01896 750669