The Braw Lads Gathering

As the Burgh Chambers Clock chimes, the Braw Lad receives the Burgh Flag in a traditional ceremony featuring the Town Crier and a trumpet fanfare. He pledges to carry it with honour and leads the mounted cavalcade through the town.

At Netherdale, the historic event that led to the town’s first mention in history books in 1337 is honoured. A party of English raiders was ambushed by locals under the plum trees. In the shade of the trees at the Raid Stane, the Braw Lad, Braw Lass, and Attendants pause. The men receive “Soor Plooms” sprigs, which symbolise the town’s defiant spirit and storied past.

The home of novelist Sir Walter Scott has been closely linked with the Braw Lads Gathering since 1930. After fording the River Tweed at Galafoot, the principals proceed to the historic house. Here a simple but meaningful ceremony takes place: a knock on the door, greetings, and toasts to Galashiels and Abbotsford. The Braw Lad, Braw Lass, and Attendants are then presented with roses. The visit ends with the Braw Lass mounting her horse from the “Louping Stane”, a statue of Scott’s dog Maida.

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

One of the most moving ceremonies of the day commemorates the royal marriage of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor of England in 1503. At the Market Cross, the Braw Lass receives the symbolic Sod and Stone, which represent Margaret’s dowry. She then mixes red and white roses to symbolise the ancient Act of Sasine, and the coming together of the houses of York and Lancaster. In the second part of the ceremony, the President of the Gathering, Town Crier, and Laird of Gala mark the town’s historic Burgh status.

From the Mercat Cross, the Braw Lad, Braw Lass, and Attendants proceed to visit Old Gala House. They meet a representative of the historic Scott family, renewing ties that date back to the Gathering’s founding in 1930. The Scotts, in particular John Scott, 10th Laird, were key supporters of the annual event and remain central to its traditions.

At noon, the Braw Lads’ Gathering pauses for a moving tribute at the Galashiels War Memorial. Only the Braw Lad remains on horseback and dips 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 held.

The ceremony is brought to a close with the Braw Lad dutifully returning the flag to the President of the Gathering on the balcony of the Burgh Chambers. Once the flag has been handed over, the Braw Lass and Attendants join the Braw Lad to great applause and cheers from the crowd.