The Braw Lads Gathering

Following a proclamation by the Town Crier, the Braw Lad is presented with the Burgh Flag by the President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering from the Burgh Chambers Balcony. The Braw Lad then pledges to “return it safely and uphold the honour and traditions of the Burgh,” before calling upon the Braw Lads and Braw Lasses appointed as his supporters to assist in safeguarding the Flag during his charge.

At Netherdale, the historic event of 1337, which marks the town’s first mention in history, is commemorated. During this event, a group of Gala men triumphed over a band of English invaders beneath the Wild Plum trees. In the shade of these trees, at the Raid Stane, the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and their Attendants pause to honour this moment. Each Braw Lass pins a sprig of “Soor Plooms” onto their Braw Lad’s lapel, symbolising the town’s enduring spirit and rich history.

Since 1930, the home of novelist Sir Walter Scott has been closely associated with the Braw Lads’ Gathering. After crossing the River Tweed at Galafoot, the Principals make their way to the historic house. There, a simple yet meaningful ceremony takes place: a knock on the door, followed by greetings and toasts to both Galashiels and Abbotsford. The Braw Lad, Braw Lass and their Attendants are then presented with roses. The visit concludes with the Braw Lass remounting her horse from the “Louping Stane,” a sculpture of Scott’s beloved dog Maida.

From Abbotsford, the Principals lead the cavalcade to ford the River Tweed at Boleside. From there, they lead the over 200 riders in a thrilling spectacle. In full regalia, they gallop across Gala Hill taking in its sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, before arriving back into Galashiels.

One of the most moving ceremonies of the day honours the royal marriage of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor of England in 1503. At the Mercat Cross, the Braw Lass is presented with Red and White Roses by her female Attendants, which she mixes to symbolise the union of the houses of York and Lancaster. She then receives the symbolic Sod and Stone, representing Margaret’s dowry and places them on the Town Cross. The second part of the ceremony sees the Laird of Gala exchange a charter with the President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering, commemorating the town being granted Burgh of Barony status in 1599.

From the Mercat Cross, the Braw Lad, Braw Lass, and Attendants make their way to Old Gala House, where they are welcomed by the Laird of Gala or a representative of the historic Scott family. This visit reaffirms the longstanding connection that dates back to the Gathering’s founding in 1930. The Scotts, especially John Scott, the 10th Laird, were key supporters of the annual event and continue to be integral to its traditions.

At noon, the Braw Lads’ Gathering pauses for a solemn tribute at the Galashiels War Memorial. Only the Braw Lad remains on horseback, dipping the Burgh Flag in remembrance of all Galaleans who laid down their lives in both World Wars and other conflicts. As pipes sound and the clock chimes, a two-minute silence is observed.

The ceremony concludes with the Braw Lad dutifully returning the Burgh Flag to the President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering on the Burgh Chambers balcony. After the flag is handed over, the Braw Lass and Attendants join the Braw Lad, receiving a warm round of applause and cheers from the crowd.

Thousands gather in Scott Street to welcome the riders back into the town. For the rider, this is the most exhilarating part of the ride.