Delight for Phillip and Emma

Newsdesk Newsdesk - 1020 • Published 26 Apr 2006 10:25

SPECTACULAR fireworks, rousing music and cheering crowds heralded the start of Braw Lads" Gathering celebrations on Friday evening.

Hundreds of people packed the foot of Lawyers Brae and Albert Place for Declaration Night and confirmation of the 2006 Braw Lad and Braw Lass.

Phillip Halliday and Emma Carlyle strode on to the sun-drenched balcony of the Burgh Chambers and were given a hearty welcome by enthusiastic Galaleans and curious visitors.

A few minutes earlier, the town"s best-kept secret had been revealed to VIPs and guests in the Council Chamber.

The ceremonial event was an early birthday present for Phillip, who turned 22 on Sunday.

He said: 'I was really nervous to start off because I never really expected to see so many people.

'It was a really, really big turn-out and that"s always encouraging.

'I"ve watched from their position for the past four or five years and have wondered what it would be like to Braw Lad.'

Phillip"s keen interest in horses prompted him to seek the appointment.

He said: 'I find this part of the Gathering the most exciting.

'The opportunity to represent my town as Braw Lad is something that I have wanted to do for some time and was encouraged to apply by friends and family, especially those who had been principals in previous gatherings.

'I am a firm believer that being Braw Lad is not only a chance to represent Galashiels, but also to undertake a duty to uphold the traditions that have made the Gathering such a special event.

'I can assure the people of Galashiels that I will treat this role with the utmost respect and commitment in the knowledge that I am taking part in Gala"s history.'

Phillip paid tribute to his supporters and encouraged townspeople to attend the Gathering events.

Emma, who has followed the Gala Day on horseback since the age of 13, is equally excited by her appointment.

She said: 'When I found out I had been chosen to be Braw Lass, I just wanted to scream.

'But I just had to put it to the back of my mind for the past few weeks.

'It"s been great.'

Emma has recovered from a riding accident several years ago, which resulted in serious dental damage.

She said: 'It"s always been my ambition to be Braw Lass, but the accident held me back a bit because of all the dental work that"s had to be done.

'I"ve had to take it really slow.

'When I knew the work would be done for this year, I decided to go it.

'I"ve come through that now and I can"t wait to start the Gathering.'

Like Phillip, Emma was thrilled by Friday"s reception.

She said: 'It was mad and my heart was pounding when I saw the size of the crowd.

'We got a really nice reception and I can"t wait for the Gathering to start.'

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 26 Apr 06

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