YOU would be hard-pushed to find a better week to host the Braw Lads’ Gathering.

Temperatures topped 20 degrees, with the heatwave sticking around for the most highly-anticipated event on Galashiels’ calendar – Braw Lads’ Day.

A total of 293 riders saddled up and thousands of locals and visitors took to the streets to witness the likes of the Raid Stane Ceremony, the Gallop over Gala Hill, the Old Town Cross Ceremonies, the ride up Scott Street and the Dipping of the Flag at the War Memorial.

And making a welcome return this year was the fording of the Tweed – which had to be cancelled last year due to high water levels.

It was a special day for President of the Gathering Bill White, who was overseeing his first Braw Lads’ Day in the post, after taking over from David Romanis.

He told the Border Telegraph: “I was a bit worried because last night at the Investiture Concert I said we were guaranteed the weather for Saturday morning, but later on Friday night it got a bit cloudy.

“But it has been absolutely wonderful today – nice and cool in the morning for the horses and it just got better as the day went on.

“It was great to be able to ford the Tweed. The water levels were probably the lowest in a long time so that was great, especially for the youngsters.”

And, despite the week only just coming to an end, Mr White says he is already looking forward to next year’s festivities.

He added: “It was all a bit nerve-wracking when it first started, but I think you sort of go into auto pilot after a while.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed it – it has been absolutely great.

“I am just looking forward to next year.

“I really enjoyed the visit to Abbotsford and I always admire the Mixing of the Roses and what it represents.

“But probably the main thing for me is paying homage at the war memorial as we remember the young people who went away but never came back.

“It is such an important part of the day.”

The President also praised this year’s Principals for the way they had carried out their duties over the past few months.

He added: “I think Greg and Kimberley have been great throughout.

“For any young person to take these roles on is a huge thing.

“But they have done really well. They have done a fantastic job.”