IT is the biggest event of the year in Galashiels.

The Braw Lads’ Gathering celebrates the history of the town and culminates with a week-long festival in the last week of June.

And, while it has remained relatively unchanged over the years, organisers have warned they have encountered “a few challenges” this year.

Ongoing works along the Black Path to reopen the rail line between Edinburgh and the Borders, in addition to flood prevention works at Netherdale and town centre improvements in Galashiels, have seen some changes to the programme.

Speaking in the official Braw Lads’ Gathering brochure, chairman David Houston said: “Galashiels has unfortunately no option but to put up with these changes if we want to continue, not just to survive but to grow into a prosperous, attractive and bustling town once again.

“I must personally thank all the partners that we deal with day in, day out, to ensure there is as little disruption to our Gathering during these works as possible, but please accept there will be some small changes this year.

“We must look on the new Borders Railway as a means to bring people down into the Borders to enjoy not only the Braw Lads’ Gathering but the many other Common Ridings and Festivals that are unique to the Scottish Borders and the new civic spaces that now enhance our town centre will not only be able to be used for everyone’s enjoyment but can be used during our week-long celebrations.” The programme for the 2014 Braw Lads’ Gathering is as follows - Wednesday, June 18: The Braw Lads’ Bike ride will leave Netherdale Car Park at 6pm. The route this year will be to travel along Boleside to the cycle path and on to Sunderland Hall where there will be a short stop before returning by the same route back to the Netherdale Car Park.

An alternative/shorter route for young riders to take part is available, along Boleside to turning point at the end of the road and back.

However, to qualify for the oldest and youngest trophies the full route must be completed unaided.

Friday, June 20: The Braw Lads’ Country Dance will be held in the Volunteer Hall at 7.30pm. Tickets £6, Spectators £2 (includes supper).

Saturday, June 21: The Braw Lads’ School Children’s Discos will be held in the Volunteer Hall from 12noon to 2pm for primaries 4, 5, 6 & 7 and from 2.30pm to 4pm for primaries 1, 2 & 3.

The Braw Lads’ Ball will be held in Galashiels Academy from 7pm to 2am. Limited amount of tickets still available on 01896 754715.

Sunday, June 22: The Kirkin of The Braw Lad will take place at Caddonfoot Church at 9.45am.

The Braw Lads’ Sports will follow at Netherdale from 11am. The Presentation of the bouquet to the Braw Lass will be made at 1.45pm.

Monday, June 23: The Rideout to the Auld Kirk, Lindean, will leave the Netherdale Car Park at 6pm and travel via Nether Road to Galafoot for the river crossing, arriving at Lindean at 7.15pm.

After the ceremony is competed the mounted cavalcade will proceed by way of the Selkirk Road onto the Old Rink Road to the Rink and Hollybush for the chases.

When the chases have been run the horses will leave the chase field and continue through Gala Policies into the Scott Park, onto St John Street, then turn right into Albert Place, left into Braw Lads’ Brae, Huddersfield Street, Dale Street, Nether Road and into the car park.

Tuesday, June 24: Ex Braw Lads’ and Lasses’ Association Dinner in the Volunteer Hall at 7.30pm.

Wednesday, June 25: The Ceremonial Ride to Torwoodlee leaves the car park at Netherdale at 5.45pm and travels via Dale Street, Huddersfield Street, arriving at Paton Street at 6pm and by way of Bank Street, High Street, Bridge Place, Magdala Terrace and Edinburgh Road to Torwoodlee. Return to meet band at Wilderhaugh at 7.30pm and arrive at town centre at 8.15pm.

Meanwhile, the fancy dress parade leaves Scott Park at 7.30pm and proceeds along Scott Street, Hall Street and Bank Street. Judging gets underway at 6.45pm.

The Carnival Dance will be held in the Volunteer Hall from 10pm until late. Tickets, priced £5 per person will be on sale at the door.

Thursday, June 26: The Civic Reception for Overseas Guests will be held in the Volunteer Hall. Anyone who has visitors coming from outwith the UK to stay with them during the Braw Lads’ Gathering celebrations are invited to contact Hazel Newlands on 01896 750669 for more details.

Friday, June 27: The Investiture Concert will be held in the Volunteer Hall from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Music by George Inglis. Tickets, priced £3, at door.

Saturday, June 28 - Morning Ceremonial Ride: Cavalcade assembles at Netherdale, 7.30am; Braw Lad receives Burgh Flag at Burgh Chambers, 8am; Raid Stane Ceremony, 8.40am; Fording the Tweed at Abbotsford, 9am; Visit Abbotsford House, 9.15am; Fording Tweed at Boleside, 9.45am; Gallop over Gala Hill, 10am; Old Town Cross Ceremony, 10.30am; Visit Laird of Gala at Old Gala House, 11am; Gallop up Scott Street, 11.30am; Final Act of Homage at War Memorial, 12noon.

If the horses are unable to cross the River Tweed the cavalcade will proceed along Abbotsford Road and Galafoot Bridge and on to Abbotsford, while the Principals will go down Tweed Road and on to Abbotsford, before rejoining the cavalcade at Faldonside.

Langlee Community Choir will perform at the War Memorial at 7.45pm, with the Roses Ceremony following at 8pm.

Sunday, June 29: The Service at Gala Aisle will be held at 6.30pm (weather permitting).

To ensure you don’t miss our review of the summer festivities, order a copy of next week’s Border Telegraph at your local newsagents now.