The festivities continued on Wednesday night as 138 riders took part in the Ceremonial Ride to Torwoodlee in the Braw Lads' Gathering.

The damp conditions didn't dampen the spirits of the riders, or of the Braw Lad and Lass, who led the way in the ride.

Proud Braw Lad Mark Hood, 19, said the experience was "better felt than telt".

"It has been really good so far. We went around all the schools this morning and then we came up here (Torwoodlee) to do our ceremony, so everything is going well.

"Everybody says savour every moment because it flies by and that is very true. It's better felt than telt," he added.

"But to believe that we are on the Wednesday night of Braw Lads' week already is quite scary.

"But it has been absolutely brilliant. I wish I could go back to last night because it is all going far too quick."

The traditional ceremony, where the Braw Lad and Braw Lass meet the Laird of Torwoodllee to ask his permission to cut Sod and take a Stone from the Tower, was greeted with applause and cheers.

Braw Lass Alex Mundell, also 19, said: "It is absolutely amazing. I have never been up here before but it is so pretty.

"You don't realise everything that is involved in it, but it really is so much fun.

"The whole week has been great. It has been really good fun. We are just hoping that the weather is going to be alright for Saturday because we really want to get through it all."

Braw Lads' President David Romanis, who was appointed in 2014, said Mark and Alex are "two fine young principals".

"Today has gone extremely well and the weather has been on our side," he added.

"Mark and Alex have faired really really well. They are two fine young principals and they are carnying out their duties as we would expect them to do. Really well.

"There is a massive amount of organisation that goes into the Braw Lads' Gathering. It is planned for the year ahead, so it can all come together in the one week."