The countdown is on to our town’s big event of the year - with preparations well under way for Galashiels Braw Lads’ 2012 celebrations.

Events are already under way, with this year’s Braw Lad Ryan Mania, and Braw Lass Nicola Mackay touring the area’s schools, and getting set for the big events of the week, culminating in Braw Lads’ Day on Saturday 30^th June.

On Wednesday 27^th June is the Torwoodlee Rideout, as the horses leave the Currie Road and head to Torwoodlee, before returning to meet up with band at Wilderhaugh and follow the Fancy Dress Parade round the centre of the town. On returning the President of the Gathering, the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and Attendants appear on the Balcony of the Burgh Chambers with the symbols of Sod & Stone taken from Torwoodlee and used at Saturday mornings ceremony at the Old Town Cross.

Also on Wednesday is the fancy dress parade, held in the Scott Park, Scott Crescent, which goes along Scott Street, Gala Park, Kirk Brae, Hall Street, Island Street, High Street, Bank Street and St John Street.

Thursday 28th June sees the overseas and civic reception in the Volunteer Hall. Anyone who has visitors coming from overseas should contact the Clerk to the Gathering:- Hazel Newlands on 01896 750669. Following on Friday 29th June is the Investiture Reception in the Volunteer Hall.

Finally, the culmination of the week’s celebrations are on Saturday 30^th June with Braw Lads’ Day 2012 - All below time are based on last year’s event:
8am – Braw Lads receives Burgh Flag
8.40am – Raid Stane Ceremony
9am – Fording the River Tweed at Abbotsford
9.15am – Visit Abbotsford House
9.45 – Fording the Tweed at Boleside
10am – Gallop over Gala Hill
10.30am – Old Town Cross Ceremony
11am – Visit Laird of Gala at Old Gala House
11.30am – Cavalcade from Scott Street, Gala Park, Kirk Brae, Hall Street, Island Street, High Street, Channel Street, Market Street to the War Memorial
12noon – Tribute at the War Memorial
12.15pm – Braw Lad Returns Burgh Flag to the President.

In the evening there will be the Roses Ceremony at the War Memorial at 8pm after the Ex Braw Lads and Lasses have marched along Bank Street, and this is followed by the unsashing ceremony in the Upper Lounge of the Volunteer Hall.

Finally, on Sunday there’s the service at Gala Aisle, weather permitting.

You can find out even more about the Braw Lads events in the official brochure, available in local shops.

For more information about Braw Lads events, contact Clerk to the Gathering, Hazel Newlands on 01896 750669 or email h.newlands@btopenworld.com

Here’s a clip of the Braw Lads Gathering ride through Market Street last year – posted to Youtube by thebeardedpailmerk

And here’s another clip from 2010 – this time from the Borders Family History Society.

Looking forward to Braw Lads 2012? Post your comments and messages, and share your photos here on s1galashiels