It was hard to find anyone not smiling on Gathering morning on Saturday, with everyone clearly determined to enjoy the event in the spirit intended by its founding fathers exactly 80 years ago.
And leading by example with two of the biggest smiles were Braw Lad Greg Borthwick and Braw Lass Katie Scott.
A record-busting 371 horses followed the principals round the cavalcade route for the Gala Day, after a week which had already seen big crowds for a packed programme of ceremonials and events.
Catching his breath after a whirlwind morning of sunshine, cheers and tears, the Braw Lad – whose sister Tracy was Braw Lass five years ago – struggled to single out any one moment as his favourite.
"I couldn't pick out just one highlight. The whole morning has been a highlight from start to finish. It was just a perfect day," Greg, a 22-year-old mechanic, told TheSouthern just minutes after returning the Burgh Flag unsullied and untarnished to Gathering president Colin Playfair on the balcony of the Burgh Chambers.
And his views were echoed by his Braw Lass, Katie, also 22.
She told us: "I've enjoyed it all – every minute. It's been such a whirlwind though – you have to make sure you take it all in and remember it.
"My horse was perfect and it was amazing seeing so many people out to support us, both on horseback and on foot. I just wanted to savour every single minute and I will never forget any of it."
The Braw Lad admitted to a few early-morning nerves before his big day: "I was a bit nervous this morning. By the time I'd finished my breakfast the nerves were starting to kick in, but once I got on my horse it was fine."
After he received the Burgh Flag,
the cavalcade made its way to the
Raid Stane at Netherdale, cheered all the way.
Here, at the spot where Gala lads routed invading English soldiers in 1337, the principals received sprigs from the soor plum tree for their lapels.
Then, with the early morning summer sun glinting off the sparkling water, the riders and their steeds forded the River Tweed, heading for Abbotsford.
That included the Braw Lass of 2000 – Karen Scott, now of Lothian and Borders Police's mounted section – who was on duty.
Red and white roses were presented to the principals and members of the official party by Ms Jacqui Wright at Abbotsford, commemorating the town's links with the great novelist Sir Walter Scott.
After re-fording the Tweed, the cavalcade galloped over Gala Hill and back into the town for the Old Town Cross ceremony, where Braw Lass Katie mixed the traditional red and white roses in commemoration of the 1503 marriage of James IV of Scotland to Margaret Tudor.
She also placed the sod and stone, taken from the remains of Torwoodlee Tower, on the cross.
After the traditional visit to the laird at Old Gala House, the Braw Lad led the mounted cavalcade on the gallop up Scott Street, cheered on by one of the biggest crowds seen in recent years.
This was followed by the final act of homage at the town's war memorial. The principals then made their way back into the Burgh Chambers, the cheers of the crowds ringing in their ears, for the return of the Burgh Flag.
One of the proudest of those watching was Greg's dad Graham, who found it difficult to put into words how he felt.
"I am just so proud of him and how
he carried out all his official duties,"
he said.
"It was a beautiful morning and once Greg was presented with the flag we were off, just swept along on an incredible tide of emotion and pride.
"And it was over so quick. Before I knew it, he was handing the flag back! But we are all exceptionally proud of him. I think I had a big lump in my throat all day."
David Houston, chairman of the Gathering Executive Council, was equally happy
He said: "What a day – what a week. It's been absolutely fantastic. The great weather really got people out to support the Gathering with record numbers of folk cheering the principals on and a record number of horses for recent years as well.
"Nearly a year's worth of work, with all the meetings, all the issues that have to be sorted – it's all worthwhile for those involved with the Gathering when you get a day like that."
David's personal highlight of Saturday was the fact that all the
riders got round the ceremonial route without injury.
"Everyone got back to the town safely which is the main thing."
And he had nothing but praise for this year's principals.
"What a fantastic group of principals. I thought they did a brilliant job," he said.
And that was it for another year, with the exception of several small ceremonies, including one at the war memorial on Saturday night and at Gala Aisle on Sunday.