I would like to thank the Braw Lads’ Executive Council for allowing me the opportunity to fulfil my lifetime ambition and represent the town as Braw Lass for 2015. It has been an honour which I will never forget and I will be eternally grateful for this fantastic experience.

The support and guidance you have given to me throughout is much appreciated. Thank you for all your hard work which makes the Braw Lads’ Gathering as big a success as it is today.

A massive thanks must all go to the Ex-Braw Lads and Lasses Association, especially to Chairman Steven Headspeath. The fundraising and social events you organised prior to and throughout Braw Lads’ Week were excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all. I know I speak on behalf of all six Principals when I say that all of the support and advice you give throughout is greatly appreciated and helps make an excellent Braw Lad’s Week for all.

To Cameron, Alice, Gavin, Lucy and Daniel, thank you for all your support, guidance and endless laughs since Declaration Night. I could not have wished for a better group of people to share my first year in office with and I am confident that I have made five true friends for life.

Thank you also to my Mum Helen, Dad Paul, Step-Dad Jim, June, Becky and Joe for putting up with me throughout the summer and keeping me organised. I could not have achieved any of this without all of you and I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you have done to make it all possible.

Last, but certainly not least, huge thanks must go to the people of Galashiels and neighbouring Border towns who supported myself, Cameron and our Attendants, both on foot and horse-back, throughout Braw Lads’ week, but especially on Braw Lads’ Day.

The great weather and masses of crowds helped in the making of the best day of my life. I can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Abbie Frankland