The Braw Lads Gathering

Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering is much loved Borders festival. Riders gather vat 8am, the Braw Lad receives the Flag and leads a cavalcade to the Raid Stone, marking the victory of local lads over the English back in 1337 – the raiders were ambushed while they ate soor (sour) plums and to this day Soor Plums (sweets) are given by the lasses to their lads in the ceremony. After marking the local boundaries the group re assembles for the Mixing of the Roses at the old Town Cross at 10.30, commemorating the marriage of Margaret Tudor the English princess, to King James IV – the couple were betrothed at Galashiels. Further rides then take place around town then the cavalcade heads to the War Memorial where the Callant dips his flag in memory of the fallen at noon.