Published: Wednesday, 2nd July, 2008 07:00
A Braw Gala Day
By Ally McGilvray
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BRAW Lass Lauren Horsburgh captured the hearts of the people of Galashiels after breaking down in tears during a moving ceremony to celebrate the town’s history at the weekend.
The 19-year-old customer services assistant, who works at the Abbey bank in Channel Street, had just laid Roses at the Auld Town Cross during the annual Braw Lads’ Gathering on Saturday when emotions erupted.
She had to be consoled by her attendants, who were also struggling to hold back tears, after being led off stage by Braw Lad Jamie Hind as hundreds of spectators looked on.
However, after being pictured blowing faces in the window at Old Gala House in a lighter moment shortly after, the Principals went on to complete the town’s Gala Day celebrations and bring the week-long ceremonials to a close.
Speaking to the Border Telegraph after returning the town’s flag to the Burgh Chambers, Jamie said: “It has been an emotional rollercoaster of an experience.
“The week has passed so fast but it’s been a great honour to represent this town.
“Lauren got quite emotional during the ceremony at the Cross but that was her moment and I thought she did well.
“Every single thing we have done has been brilliant and will be a memory I will have forever.”
The Mixing of the Roses ceremony at the Mercat Cross commemorates the marriage of Margaret Tudor of England to King James the Fourth of Scotland in 1503 – when Margaret was given Ettrick Forest as her dowry.
The Braw Lass mixed the Red and White Roses to re-enact the act of Sasine before the President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering and the Laird of Gala exchanged parchments marking the election of the town to Burgh of Barony status in 1599.
Reliving the emotionally-charged moment after the ceremony, Lauren said: “I was really nervous. All I could see was a sea of faces. It was just a big relief that I had done it right. Everybody else was crying and they just set me off.”
After receiving the Burgh Standard from the President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering, Gordon Keddie, the Braw Lad, along with the Braw Lass and their Attendants, led a mounted cavalcade of 300 riders round the boundaries of the town in the highlight of an unforgettable festivities.
It was believed to be the best turn out of horses in 15 years.
Mr Keddie, in his final year of a three-year term in office as Gathering President, said: “I’m sad that it’s finished but I’m delighted it was another great Gala Day.
“As a past Braw Lad, the highlight for me will always be handing over the flag in the morning – it always causes a lump in the throat.
“I’ve been involved in the Gathering since 1972 and it will never lose it’s appeal to me. It’s just fantastic and I think the towns in the Borders would be a lot poorer without their festivals.
“We only have to look at the number of visiting Principals and riders to realise how popular our Braw Lad and Lass were this year.
“I’d like to thank the town’s people for turning out in their numbers again and offering them their support.” And he added: “We hope to see them all again next year.”
amcgilvray@bordertelegraph.com
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Pensioners have a Gala day