Common Ridings and other Borders' Festivals throughout the summer
Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering - 25th June- 1st July

The Braw Lads' Gathering 2007

Abbotsford welcomed the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and Principals at their annual visit on Saturday 1 July.
It was a beautiful morning, the sun shone, and everyone, including the horses, looked magnificent!
Introduced by the President of the Gathering, the Braw Lad conveyed the good wishes of the town to Abbotsford, the party were welcomed and invited to take refreshment. Before leaving, they were given hand picked roses from the garden, red or white of course.
Watching the horses slowly walk away up the drive is very moving.

All of the main towns in the Borders have a 'common riding' - or something similar but each one has its own unique spirit and specific traditions. Typically, a 'Standard Bearer' or other named representative, i.e. Braw Lad, Cornet etc. is selected from the young men of the town, mounts his horse and leads a massive procession of mounted and foot followers through the town. He proudly carries the town flag - a huge and weighty 'standard' creating a marvellous spectacle. He then leads his cavalcade of riders out of the town into the hills and around the town's ancient boundaries re-enacting the age old ritual of 'riding the marches.'

These festivals certainly offer a truly thrilling riding experience. Galloping across the hills at the crack of dawn in the company of around 300 to 400 fellow riders sets the heart alight and does more than just raise the spirits.

There are many moving moments too though in these festivals, where poignant speeches are made, memorials are visited and special honours conveyed. Visitors are always welcome to join the thousands of people singing the traditional Common Riding songs, either in the streets or at the many special concerts that form part of these celebrations. Bands play, people dance and in general there is much 'good will' to be had!