BRAW Lad Gavin Young celebrated his birthday by throwing the biggest party in Galashiels at the weekend - and then revealed leading the Braw Lads’ Gathering was the best present he could have wished for.

He led a procession of 352 mounted supporters on a ceremonial ride round the boundaries of the town on Saturday.

The Gala rugby star was joined by Braw Lass Alice Mackay and their Attendants - 2013 Braw Lad Daniel Whitehead, Bearer of the Sod; 2013 Braw Lass Lucy Black, Bearer of the Red Roses; 2012 Braw Lad Ryan Mania, Bearer of the Stone; and 2012 Braw Lass Nicola Mackay, Bearer of the White Roses - as he flew the flag for Galashiels.

And thousands of well-wishers, young and old alike, turned out to show their support.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph from the balcony of the Burgh Chambers after returning the flag unsullied and untarnished, Gavin, who turned 23 on Saturday, said: “It’s all a bit of a blur, it just happened in a flash.

“Riding up Scott Street was tremendous. The number of folk that were out was absolutely amazing, it really was. I got to the top of the road and I said to Alice: Do you want to do that again?!

“When I woke up in the morning I was quite tired because I never got much sleep and I was kind of nervous, I didn’t know what to expect. I know we’ve gone over stuff but you never know what’s going to happen on the big day and it’s a live show. But everything went perfect, I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present.

“I was getting a lot of congratulations and happy birthday when I was going round, I was trying to take it all in but it’s still not sunk in.

“I always wanted to be Braw Lad but never thought it would happen, it was always just one of those dreams.” But, looking back on a week of festivities, he added: “Dreams do come true.” The Braw Lads’ Gathering celebrates the history of the town and culminates with a week long programme of events in the last week of June.

This year was the first in the event’s history that two sisters had served the same term in office.

Reflecting on the festivities, Alice, a 19-year-old beauty therapist from Clovenfords and younger sister of 2012 Braw Lass Nicola, said: “It’s been very emotional. Our house has just been crazy this last week but they are memories I will cherish forever.

“Mixing the Roses during the Old Town Cross ceremony was the highlight for me. It is something I’ve always dreamed I’d do and, now that I’ve been given the opportunity to do it, it is just so surreal.

“But coming up Scott Street has to be a close second - it was absolutely incredible. Gavin and I said to each other 'let’s just take it in our stride, we’re only going to get to do this once’, and it was absolutely amazing, all I ever wanted to do; it was so good just going up there and seeing all the crowds.” Fears had been expressed that Nicola may be forced to sit out her sister’s big day - her final year in office - after injuring her leg in an accident involving a hair brush following Selkirk Common Riding earlier this month.

But she admitted she wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

Nicola said: “The leg is okay, Ryan has lifted me on and off (the horse) all day. It’s been emotional enough with it being Ryan and I’s last year let alone with Alice doing it as well.” But she added: “It’s just added to the day.” The 2012 Braw Lass was supported throughout the week by 2011 Melrosian Ruaridh Nairn. The courting couple, who met through the Gathering, epitomise the bond that exists between Common Ridings and summer festivals throughout the Borders.

Nicola said: “The last three years has just gone so quick. Today the highlights were coming up Gala Hill and Scott Street, they were just amazing. The crowds were unreal, it was so good.

“Ryan and I were out for it today with big cheers. The plan is to ride together next year.

“I’ve made some absolutely great friends throughout the three years that are going to remain friends forever.”