Over 180 riders follow Braw Lad and Braw Lass

Events at the weekend included the kirkin’ of the Braw Lad at Trinity Church on Sunday, followed by the sports at Netherdale.

Monday night saw the rideout to the Auld Kirk at Lindean where Braw Lad Mark Hood placed a wreath of wild flowers on the Preacher’s Cross.

A total of 184 horses were on the rideout and Gathering executive council chairman David Houston said everything had started well.

“We had a massive turnout for the ball on Saturday, another large participation for the rideout to Lindean on Monday, so it looks like 2016 is going to see another huge Braw Lads’ Gathering.”

Last night was the ceremonial ride to Torwoodlee and the fancy dress parade, followed by the carnival dance in the Volunteer Hall. Tonight sees the civic reception for overseas visitors, with the investiture concert in the Volunteer Hall tomorrow night.

The main day for ceremonies is Saturday, including the fording of the Tweed at Abbotsford and then Boleside, plus the mixing of the roses ceremony at the Old Town Cross.

Braw Lad Mark says so far the week has been everything he thought it would be and more.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant so far,” he told us.

“And it’s only going to get better. As they say in the Borders it’s ‘better felt than telt’. I thought it would be something special, but it’s a hundred times better than I thought it was going to be.

“Now it’s just a case for hoping for some dry weather for Saturday.”

Events still to come:

Tonight (Thursday): Civic reception for overseas visitors in Volunteer Hall.

Friday: Investiture concert in Volunteer Hall, 7.30pm.

Saturday: Gala Day (Braw Lads’ Gathering main day, 8am start)); processional walk (7.50pm); roses ceremony at war memorial(8pm); Ex-Braw Lads’ and Lasses’ Association final fling in Volunteer Hall.

Sunday: Service at Gala Aisle (6.30pm, weather permitting).