Galashiels Braw Lads' Week Monday to
Friday
The official ride to Lindean takes place on Monday evening
when the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and their Attendants visit Lindean,
where the first parish church in the Galashiels area was situated.
There the Braw Lad lays a wreath of wild flowers on the Preachers
Cross and an oration is given by the parish minister telling
of the development of religion in the Galashiels district.
The Lindean Chase completes the evening where the riders take
part in horse races for many cups.
Tuesday's official event is the School Childrens' Swimming
Gala which is held at Galashiels Swimming Pool. The pool is
packed with youngsters hoping to win a medal or two, with
the winning school receiving the Douglas Brown Cup. Again
the children get to meet the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and their
Attendants during the medal ceremony.
It's Fancy Dress night on Wednesday, which takes place in
the Scott Park. The judges, as usual have a very difficult
job with the many classes which range from the pre school
groups to the many decorated floats. The event finishes with
a parade through the streets, which hopefully coincides with
the Official Party returning from their visit to Torwoodlee.
Here the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and their Attendants meet the
Laird of Torwoodlee to ask his permission to cut Sod and take
a Stone from Torwoodlee Tower. These are then carefully taken
back to the Burgh Chambers to be used in the re-enactment
of the ancient ceremony of Sasine at the Auld Town Cross on
Saturday.
Thursday evening means its time for the Overseas Reception,
which is held in the Volunteer Hall. Visitors from overseas,
along with other guests, are welcomed by the President of
the Gathering and are then entertained to supper, songs and
dancing.
When Friday arrives, everyone knows the 'Big Day' is fast
approaching. Today it's the turn of the School Visits, where
the Official Party visit all the primary and secondary schools
in Galashiels to meet Gala's future Braw Lads and Lasses.
Art and Essay competitions are judged and many certificates
are given out. The youngsters always give the Officials a
great welcome and vow to support them tomorrow on Braw Lads'
Day.
Friday continues in the evening with the Investiture Concert
with the famous Blue Sashes being presented for our principles
ceremonial duties the following day.
Next: The Braw Lads'
Gathering
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