Braw Ladd and Lass reflect on the 'Best Day of their Lives'

On Saturday morning Cory accepted the Burgh Flag from the President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering, Bruce Hastie.

The he and Emma led a cavalcade of 204 riders across the River Tweed to Abbotsford and back to the town, via Gala Hill, for the Mixing of the Roses Ceremony.

READ MORE: Royal couple greeted with cheers from Borders crowd

The much-anticipated ride up Scott Street followed before the ride out concluded at the War Memorial.

Later that night, the pair took part in the traditional “March Past” from the foot of Bank Street Brae to the War Memorial where  Emma placed the red and white roses she mixed in the morning, at the Old Town Cross ceremony, on to the plinth.

Braw Lass at Mixing of the Roses ceremony (Image: Brian Sutherland)

The group then danced the night away to live music.

Braw Lad Cory said: “Honestly, I don’t think words can describe what being Braw Lad is like.

“Saturday was the best day of my life. The whole day was incredible, and nothing will ever be able to top carrying the Burgh Standard.

“Coming over Gala Hill and seeing the crowds of people cheering us on cemented why I was so proud to do it.

READ MORE: No prior consultation on bin and bench move in Melrose

“I feel so lucky to have had Emma as my Braw Lass. She’s done a fantastic job from the second we were announced.

“Emma was flawless at the Mixing of the Roses Ceremony, and I was so proud of her.

“And we couldn’t have done it without the support of our Attendants – John (Turnbull) and Abbie (Hood) and Robbie (Lowrie) and Nicola (Laing).

“Riding up Scott Street was just incredible and it’s a feeling that will never leave me.

“I was cheering the whole way up the street.

“I couldn’t have had a better horse. I’ve had different ones for visits to other towns, but Adonis has been with me all week and he got me from the start to the finish in one piece.

“The whole week went by so quickly and it was great to visit so many care homes and schools and that made all the early morning starts worth while.

“Finally, I just want to say that the support of the people of Galashiels, and across the Borders, has been amazing and very much appreciated.

“I’ve read every single message and I’m so grateful and honoured to be able to represent the people of the town.”

Emma said: “I still can’t believe that it’s happened. It’s a struggle to put into words what it was like, bit it was amazing from start to finish.

“The Mixing of the Roses went perfectly after all the practicing and it was fantastic to see such large crowds. It really was the best day of my life.

“Cory has been a fantastic Braw Lad and we have built up a really great friendship. We became close right from the get go.

“And the four attendants, John, Abbie, Robbie and Nicola have been amazing from the start. I couldn’t have done it without their help. They have been there and done it and there was never a stupid question, although I must have asked some.

“And I’d like to mention my horse Suzanne who was perfect and managed to stay behind the Burgh Standard at all times.

“Being Braw Lass was such an honour and it’s something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

New president Bruce Hastie “The six principals were an absolute delight to work with and I can’t speak highly enough of every one of them.

“Braw Lad Cory and Braw Lass Emma were great ambassadors for the town and it was great to see how well they were supported by their attendants.”