A LARGE crowd flocked to a sun-drenched Threepwood Crossings on Friday night, to mark the traditional meeting between the burghs of Galashiels and Lauder.

Now in its 86th year, the spectacle saw Braw Lad Greg Robertson and Braw Lass Amy Thomson meet with Lauder Cornet Hagen Steele and his Lass Ashleigh Scott to celebrate the bond between the two communities. Also making the trip were 43 mounted followers from Galashiels and 115 from Lauder.

At the ceremonial service, President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering David Romanis said: “It is an honour and a pleasure to be part of this gathering tonight. It certainly doesn’t seem like a year ago since we stood in this field celebrating the strong bond of friendship between our communities.

“The strong bond between our communities cemented in 1931 when Braw Lad Riddell Dalgliesh and Braw Lass May Thompson met Lauder Cornet Jimmy Shaw and Cornet’s Lass his sister Mary.

“The world we live in has changed beyond belief since then, but what has not, and must never change, is the special friendship that has existed between our two Borders communities for many generations.

“We must all ensure that we guard this special bond for future generations of Gala and Lauder people.

“They must be able to do what we are doing here tonight and celebrate our history and heritage in this, our wonderful Borderland.

“On behalf of the people of Galashiels, I would like to wish the townsfolk of Lauder a great Common Riding week. Let’s hope both our festivals get weather like today.”

Crowds cheered as the principals exchanged Threepwood medals to mark the occasion. Braw Lad Greg said: “I would like to thank Lauder Cornet’s Lass Ashleigh, for presenting me with my Threepwood medal. I will wear it with pride to signify the historic relationship between Galashiels and Lauder.

“It is fantastic to see so many people here tonight supporting this traditional meeting between our two towns. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Hagen, Ashleigh and their supporters a successful Common Riding. I hope you have a memorable time in office.”

After the ceremony, the parties travelled to Lauder for an evening of celebrations.

Ex-Cornet Ian Middlemiss said: “For more than 80 years, the people of Lauder and Gala have met here at Threepwood to mark the friendship and bond between the neighbouring burghs.

“It’s vitally important that our Ex-Cornet’s Association and the Ex-Braw Lads and Lasses work together to ensure that this occasion continues to prosper in years to come.”

It was also a memorable occasion for current Cornet Hagen. He told the Border Telegraph: “It has been a really nice turnout and it certainly helps with the weather. It is a cracking night for it. The numbers come out when the sun is shining and we have seen a good number of horses from Lauder and Gala. This is a good meeting for the two towns.”