Published: Thursday, 26th April, 2007 11:11am
A braw night for Craig and Amy
by Newsdesk
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EmailA 15-minute breath-taking and spectacular fireworks display ended a memorable and sparkling night on Friday for Galashiels" newest Braw Lad and Braw Lass.
Craig Wilson and Amy Quinn were overcome with emotion and nerves as they were firstly introduced to the members of the Braw Lads" Executive Council behind the closed curtains of the Burgh Buildings.
Then the crescendo of noise, which burst into the night sky as they stepped out on to the balcony to face the crowds who had lined Lawyer"s Brae, left them amazed and almost in tears.
The names of the young couple, Craig is 23 and Amy just 20, had been known only to a select few until around 7.45 p.m. when, along with their Attendants, they walked into the packed room to be presented with their ribbons by former Braw Las Lawrence McPherson.
They were greeted by Gathering president Gordon Keddie and the hand-shaking began as congratulations were expressed to the couple, who will lead the Gala Day on Saturday, June 30.
They will be joined by the Bearer of the Sod, Phillip Halliday, Bearer of the Stone David Anderson, Bearer of the Red Roses Emma Carlyle and Bearer of the White Roses Tracy Borthwick.
And as the honour of representing their town sunk in, Craig said: 'It is wonderful. I was surprised to be asked and it has been difficult keeping it secret until now.
'I have interested in the Gathering since I was about 10 years old and it is a great honour and I will do my best for the town.
'I am a bit nervous tonight, but am looking forward to the year. It should be very exciting.'
Amy was also bubbling over with enthusiasm, and some tears as well. 'I had no idea that I had been selected until a few weeks ago and did not have to tell anyone.
'I have been at Declaration Nights and said to myself "I wish I could be up there" (on the balcony). Now it is me, and I am very excited about it. It"s like a dream come true and I am really proud to have been asked.'
Amy has played in the pipe band for many years (although not as regularly recently due to work commitments), but she will need to leave her pipes at home at this year"s ceremonials.
Mr Keddie told the Principals: 'This is just the beginning of what will be a special and enjoyable year in your life.
'You will have the support of the Attendants, the Executive Council, past Principals as well as the good people of Galashiels.'
They then moved out on to the balcony where Braw Braw Lads and Gala"s Braw Braw Lassies put local folk in the mood for the 2007 Gathering.
The bands, Galashiels Ex-Service the Town Band, then led the Principals to Cornmill Square where they entertained until the children were ready to dance the "Dashin" White Sergeant" and a bouquet was presented to the Braw Lass by XXXXX McFarlane, of Caddonfoot Primary School.
After the dance, the bands led the Principals to the pedestrian crossing in Bank Street, which was thronged with people waiting to watch the fireworks display, which lit up the night sky.
It was then back to the Burgh Buildings for a reception, and for those inclined, the Declaration Night disco in the Volunteer Hall.
Later, David Houston, Executive Council chairman, told the "Border Telegraph": 'We again have excellent Principals and I hope they have a great Gathering.
'The night went well and I sure we will have another successful year.'
Next ceremonial will be the Spurs Night celebrations on May 18 when they meet the Selkirk Standard Bearer, to be announced this Friday, at Galafoot, and a week later the ride-out to Threepwood to greet the Lauder Cornet and his Lass, both of whom will be named a week on Friday.
