The preparations for the 2023 Braw Lads' Gathering is progressing well with the members of the Braw Lads' Executive Council working hard to ensure that the Ceremonies and Festivities are ready for the people of Galashiels to, once again, celebrate the Braw Lads' Gathering.
Braw Lad, Cory Paterson and Braw Lass, Emma Spence were declared to the town in April and since then have been extremely busy representing Galashiels at neighbouring Border towns who have been announcing their own Principals for 2023. I am sure that they will be making life long friendships and memories as the summer progresses.
This year a new President of the Gathering, Mr Bruce Hastie takes over the role from Mr Bill White, Bruce starts his three year role having been Braw Lad in 1981 and has served in the Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band for many years. We wish him well in the coming weeks as we head towards the 2023 Gathering.
To the Galaleans returning to the town for the festivities, I welcome you and hope that your return kindles fond memories and an opportunity to make new ones. We hope that you are able to join us at as many events as possible during the time that you are home.
To our "Patrons of the Gathering" and our many "Sponsors" who supply goods and services as well as funding, I'd like to thank you for your continued support. We really would have a much more difficult task if you were not there to support us. Thank you.
To the People of Galashiels, I would encourage you to take part in as much as you can. The Gathering is about your history, your town and your community, the Gathering reaches every section of our society and we welcome your involvement and support.
My sincere best wishes to Braw Lad Cory, Braw Lass, Emma, Bearer of the Sod, John, Bearer of the Red Roses Abbie, Bearer of the Stone Robbie and Bearer of the White Roses Nicola during the Ceremonies and Festivities of what is our Braw Lads' Gathering.
