Published: Thursday, 19th June, 2008 12:00
Braw pair prepare to fly the flag for Burgh
By Ally McGilvray
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The Gala principals are pictured at the Melrose ride-out.
IT will be a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Braw Lad Jamie Hind, 20, and Braw Lass Lauren Horsburgh, 19, will fly the flag for Galashiels at the Braw Lads Gathering 2008.
They have been counting down the days to the week-long event to celebrate the town’s history since their appointments were announced from the balcony of the Burgh Chambers on Picking Night in April.
And the excitement has been building following the Common Ridings at Hawick and then Selkirk last weekend.
Speaking to the Border Telegraph, Jamie said: “It is a great honour to represent my town and I am especially looking forward to carrying the Burgh Flag on our big day.
“The whole experience is just going to be fantastic and I am going to enjoy it to the full because it will all pass so quickly.”
And Lauren added: “It’s taking over our life at the moment but it is worth every minute.”
The Braw Lass, a customer services advisor with the Abbey National in Galashiels, revealed she only applied to become the Braw Lass after reading an advert for the position in the Border Telegraph.
But, after being selected to represent their town at the Gathering, the Braw Lad, who works at the Co-op in Melrose as well as a learning assistant at Dalry Primary School in Edinburgh, revealed he was not allowed to start horse-riding lessons before Declaration Night for fear of giving away the town’s best-kept secret.
Lauren, whose cousin Debbie McAllan and aunt Aileen Horsburgh were Braw Lass in 2001-02 and 1971, respectively, said: “I’ve always wanted to do it but never knew what it was going to be like.
“I’m a horsey person so I really like the rideouts and I’m really looking forward to leading the gallop up Scott Street on Gala Day.
“Hawick was good, although it was a bit disappointing not getting to ride because only men are allowed, and Selkirk was better because we felt more involved.”
But Jamie said: “I’ve only been riding since Picking Night because I wasn’t allowed to learn beforehand in case it gave it (his appointment) away.” Nevertheless, he joked: “Preparations are going really well – I haven’t fallen off yet.”
The former Langlee Primary School and Gala Academy pupil, who stays at Primrose Bank, is also steeped in the Gathering history having played in the pipe band at previous events.
Meanwhile, Lauren, who stays at Roberts Grove, Galashiels, attended the town’s Burgh Primary School before going on to Galashiels Academy.
Summing up the Gala Day, she said: “It’s a big day to celebrate the town’s history and I am really looking forward to it.”
And Jamie added: “I hope the townsfolk of Galashiels come out to support us come rain, hail or shine.”
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