'Gala Day was overwhelming'

Ally McGilvray • Published 27 Jun 2009 15:19 0 Comments

'I KNEW to expect big crowds but when I stepped out on to that balcony the feeling I got when I saw just exactly how many people had turned out was overwhelming.'

Braw Lad Chris MacKenzie revealed his emotions erupted after being asked to fly the flag for Galashiels during the town"s annual Gala Day celebrations on Saturday.

He led a mounted cavalcade of around 400 horses around the boundaries of the town, with his Lass Amy Gunter by his side, during the culmination of a week of festivities, known as the Braw Lads Gathering, to celebrate the history of the town.

And thousands of people of all persuasions, young and old alike, lined the streets of Galashiels to reinforce the festival"s reputation as one of the best, if not the biggest, in the Borders.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph after handing back the Burgh Standard to Gathering President Colin Playfair on the balcony of the Burgh Chambers at the end of the Gala Week, Chris said: 'The day has gone really fast but hopefully I was able to take it all in and those memories will stay with me for years to come.

'I feel really proud and honoured to be given the chance to represent my town. It was everything I thought it would be and more.

'I knew to expect big crowds but when I stepped out on to that balcony the feeling I got when I saw just exactly how many people had turned out was overwhelming."

And, trying to hold back the tears, Amy added: 'I just feel like it has been such a whirlwind. I find myself crying and emotional about it all. It"s been the quickest week ever but it"s been great.'

For more coverage of the 2009 Braw Lads Gathering order your copy of this week's Border Telegraph - out of Wednesday, July 1 - at your local newsagent now.

amcgilvray@bordertelegraph.com

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