'It was a great honour'

Newsdesk Newsdesk - 1020 • Published 5 Jul 2006 09:55

OMENS for the 2006 Braw Lads" Gathering, with miserable weather for most of June, were not looking good.

But that all changed when it really mattered, with the first signs of sunshine timing themselves nicely for the start of the week"s events.

And Saturday"s Gala Day was the luckiest of all.

Warm July sunshine greeted townsfolk as they gathered at the Burgh Chambers to see town crier, Jim Amos, declare a start to the day.

President of the Braw Lads" Gathering, Gordon Keddie, then handed the burgh standard to this year"s Braw Lad, Phillip Halliday, who then joined his Braw Lass, Emma Carlyle, and their Attendants.

Led by Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band and St Ronan"s Silver Band, the Principals headed along Abbotsford Road towards the Raidstane, followed by almost 260 riders.

At the Raidstane, the Principals carried out the traditional Soor Plooms ceremony to mark the ambush on a party of English raiders by the men of Gala in 1337.

The Principals then led the riders from Galafoot over the River Tweed, with hordes of onlookers watching from the banks of the river and the bridge overhead.

The riders galloped through the water and on to Abbotsford House, where they were greeted before heading off to the Mixing of the Roses ceremony at Mercat Cross.

Braw Lass, Emma, carried out the mixing of the white and red roses to cheers from the gathered crowds, placing the roses along with the sod and stone gathered at Torwoodlee on the Wednesday night, on the Cross.

They then headed to Old Gala House, where the Laird of Galashiels welcomed them into the house before the Principals made the gallop up Scott Street.

Onlookers lined the street as the riders prepared themselves for the most spectacular section of the day, flying up the street to huge cheers.

Satisfied by what they had seen, Galaleans then linked arms to walk down to the War Memorial for the Dipping of the Flag.

Braw Lad, Phillip, performed his duties with dignity, before returning to the Burgh Chambers to return the flag to Mr Keddie and take stock of the morning"s events.

He said: 'It was a memorable week for me. I enjoyed visiting the schools and the Friday, and carrying out the ceremonies at Lindean and Torwoodlee.

'On Saturday it was a great honour to receive and carry the flag on Braw Lads" day. It gave me a sense of pride and responsibility. The Dipping of the Flag was a very meaningful moment, particularly poignant as it gave me a chance to mark my respect for those who died in the wars.

'I would like to thank the people of Galashiels for turning out in such large numbers, and for the very generous support they gave us. Also a thank you to the Braw Lads" Executive Council and all those who gave up their time to make it such a successful Gathering.'

Braw Lass, Emma Carlyle, was also still on cloud nine after the morning"s excitement.

She said: 'It has been absolutely brilliant. It was a dream come true for me. I have wanted to do it all my life. The weather and everything was brilliant.

'The roses ceremony was the best part of the week. I was so nervous. I didn"t expect so many people to be there, but with the crowd it was really good.'

And despite the hectic schedule, Emma still found the energy to keep going.

She said: 'You don"t get very much sleep, but you get along with the help of the others.

'As a six we get on really, really well. If it wasn"t for them, it would have been impossible. The committee and the others do everything, so you can concentrate on what you have to do.'

And although the Braw Lads" gathering 2006 has now been consigned to the history books, Emma still has lots to look forward to.

She said: 'We have still got Kelso, Jedburgh and Duns to go, so there is still plenty to enjoy.

'It has definitely been worth it. It literally was a dream come true. The weather was perfect. It was quite hot for the horses, but for us it was fantastic. There wasn"t a drop of rain.'

Unfortunately, the rain did not hold off on Sunday, meaning the Sunday service at Gala Aisle had to be cancelled.

But by that time it had already been a week to remember, and one for all the Principals to cherish forever.

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 05 Jul 06

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