THE Braw Lads’ Gathering has again fallen victim to the coronavirus outbreak.

As reported at the end of last week, Peebles Beltane and Hawick Common Riding have both been called off.

And this morning (Monday, January 25), Braw Lads’ Gathering officials have confirmed the annual event in Galashiels will not go ahead this year.

A spokesperson said: "Due to the ongoing global pandemic and in line with the advice and guidance from Scottish Borders Council the Braw Lads’ Gathering 2021 will sadly need to be cancelled again this year."

Scottish Borders Council confirmed it has provided a "formal position" to all festival committees.

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The council has provided a formal position to all Common Riding and local Festival organisers on our advice for event planning for 2021.

“This is based on an assessment of the current COVID-19 position and the Scottish Government’s five-level COVID-19 restriction system and its impact on events and has been developed by SBC’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG).

“The SAG will continue to support event organisers with advice throughout the year and provide updated guidance as and when necessary when restrictions change or are eased.”