Sun shines on Gala Day

Published 3 Jul 2010 13:48 2 Comments

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BRAW Lass Katie Scott revealed she had never watched the Gala Day before the weekend - and then admitted: "It was out of this world".

The 22-year-old race horse trainer, a former member of the Scottish under 16 show-jumping team, has followed the event on horseback since she was six-years-old.

However, with the riders not featuring in the main ceremonials, she missed out on the centrepiece of the festivities... until now.

On Saturday, the restaurant manager, who works at Quins, in Market Street, Galashiels, took centre stage, along with Braw Lad Greg Borthwick and their Attendants - Chris MacKenzie (Bearer of the Sod), Amy Gunter (Bearer of the Red Roses), Jamie Hind (Bearer of the Stone), and Lauren Horsburgh (Bearer of the White Roses), at the 2010 Braw Lads' Gathering.

They led a mounted cavalcade of 371 horses around the boundaries of the town during the culmination of a week of festivities to celebrate its history.

And thousands of well-wishers, young and old alike, lined the streets to show their support.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph in the Burgh Chambers after completing the ceremonial ride, Katie said: "It's been like a whirlwind this morning, it went so quickly. But I have really enjoyed it.

"Being Braw Lass has given me a totally different perspective on it (the Braw Lads' Gathering). I've never watched the Gala Day and all the ceremonies before because I have always followed the event on horseback." But she added: "It has been out of this world."

Katie, who wiped away tears as she reflected on the day, revealed one of her highlights was mixing the roses at the Old Town Cross Ceremony. She added: "I was quite nervous about it beforehand but once the day came I was fine and we have been really lucky with the weather. I've enjoyed the whole day."

Galashiels awoke to bright blue skies and sunshine for the town's annual festivities which have remained largely unchanged since they were founded 80 years ago.

Jim Amos, who celebrated his 25th year in the role of Town Crier, announced the start of the Braw Lads' Gathering from the balcony of the Burgh Chambers as the town lined the streets below.

However, this year, the mounted procession, which included visiting Principals from most Border towns, began the morning's ceremonial ride along the aptly named Braw Lads' Brae. The road, which connects Paton Street with Abbotsford Road having only opened in February.

Greg, a 22-year-old mechanic who works at DS Dalgleish's garage in Langlee, carried the Burgh Standard. And he admitted he could not have asked for a more perfect day.

Greg said: "It was awesome - absolutely awesome. Coming over Gala Hill with the flag was one of the highlights for me, seeing the faces in the crowd and everyone cheering, but everything from start to finish has been brilliant. This week must have been the quickest week of my life. I can't believe it's almost over."

Six-year-old Poppy Graham, from Melrose, won the trophy for the youngest rider to take part in the Gala Day for the second year in a row. And Linda Taylor, from Galashiels, was named the Best Dressed rider.

They arrived back late for the Final Act of Homage at the War Memorial following reports of a fall. But, with no-one seriously injured, organisers insisted that everyone had enjoyed a Gala Day.

David Houston, chairman of the Braw Lads' Gathering Executive Council, said: "It's been phenomenal.

"The ride was a little late back but that is to be expected with so many horses. We've seen a record number of riders, the crowds were out in amazing numbers, and the weather has been kind to us. It's five years ago today since the funeral of my old chairman Jock Fairgrieve so he's obviously up there looking after us."

Scottish Borders Council convener Alasdair Hutton, a commentator at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, praised the spectacle.

Councillor Hutton, who was a special guest at the weekend's festivities, said: "To me these festivals are the very essence of a community. They are not like big shows like the Tattoo. These reflect Borders history and all the centuries of riding tradition and the most important thing about them is they bring the community together. That's what makes them important. The Borders wouldn't be the same without them.

"The Borders tradition is horse riding, albeit years ago it used to be for raiding across the border and a bit of stealing and rustling but these are peaceful festivals."

And he added: "I think there are more horses than they have ever had here and I don't think I can remember seeing bigger crowds. I think it's absolutely wonderful."

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

the hired lad
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Jul 7, 15:52
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How many MORE years must we look at pictures of the Gala Day and see the Braw Lad facing AWAY from the memorial when he attempts to dip the flag ?? I'm sure I'm not the only Galalean whose heart sinks at this shameful sight.

Surely it's well past time for the exalted committee to discuss the idea of the Braw Lad paying respect to all the war dead on foot - it happens in other Border towns. Better that than the insult practised in recent years !!

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BLG2010
Unregistered User
Jul 8, 08:49
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"I'm sure I'm not the only Galalean whose heart sinks at this shameful sight."

I think you probably are !

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******
Jul 12, 11:16
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