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Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering

Established in 1930 to celebrate the town‘s history. Preliminary events precede the main ceremonies on the Saturday which begin with the Braw Lad receiving the Burgh Flag and leading his mounted supporters to the Raid Stane.

The Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering is cancelled for 2021.

Recommended viewpoints for the Riding : 9.00am – Fording the River Tweed at Abbotsford – viewing either at the side of the river or above on the Tweed Bridge. 10.30 am – Old Town Cross at Church Street, Galashiels (non horse event) . 11.30am – Mounted cavalcade make their way around the town. Good viewing point at Scott Street.

For all public transport options, including the Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Galashiels, please visit Traveline Scotland.

 

 

Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering

History

Here in 1337 Gala lads killed English raiders in a field of wild plums. The ride continues with crossing the Tweed to Abbotsford and returns to the Old Town cross where the creation of Galashiels as a Burgh of Barony in 1599 is recalled. The ceremony of sod and stone (sasine) is enacted and red and white roses mingled on a base of thistles to commemorate the marriage of James IV of Scotland and Margaret Tudor. Sports and gymkhana bring the week‘s festivities to a close.

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