Published: Sunday, 21st June, 2009 12:03pm

Braw Gathering gets underway

ORGANISERS of the biggest event in the Galashiels social calendar believe this year could be one of the best yet.

A bumper crowd turned out in support of the sports as the Braw Lads Gathering got underway on starter"s orders in glorious sunshine on Sunday - after being rained off the past two years.

A cavalcade of more than 100 horses turned out in support of Braw Lad Chris Mackenzie, Braw Lass Amy Gunter and their Attendants for the rideout to Lindean on Monday night.

And, with the good weather set to continue and this year"s event forming part of the Year of Homecoming celebrations, many more are expected to turn out for the fancy dress parade and rideout to Torwoodlee on Wednesday.

Hazel Newlands, clerk to the Gathering, said: 'The weather forecast looks good and we hope the town will once again turn out to show their support and have a Gala Day.

"With this year"s Gathering forming part of the Homecoming celebrations it has the potentially to be one of the biggest festivals in years.'

On Monday, the crowds made their way to the Auld Kirkyard at Lindean where a brief history of the site and its link with Galashiels was given by the minister of the Old Parish and St Paul"s Church, the Rev. Leslie Steele.

The Braw Lad then laid a wreath on the Preacher"s Cross before leading the chase back over Gala Hill after crossing the River Tweed - which bodes well for the ceremonials on Saturday with the Principals having been unable to cross the water for the past two years.

Meanwhile, hundreds of tickets have already been sold for the party to end all parties this weekend.

Sound Music Festival will bring the Gala Day to a close with a party in the park headlined by Kings of Leon, Oasis, Take That and Girls Aloud tribute bands.

Tickets, priced £16 in advance or £20 on the gate, will be available for sale at Bambu in Bank Street during the fancy dress parade tonight.

Be sure to order your Border Telegraph next week for your souvenir Braw Lads picture special pull-out.