The preparations for the 2024 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 Jamie Bell and Braw Lass Rebecca Grieve 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 2024. I am sure that they will be making life long friendships and memories as the summer progresses.
President of the Gathering, Mr Bruce Hastie, is in his second term of the 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 2024 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 Jamie, Braw Lass Rebecca, Bearer of the Sod Cory, Bearer of the Red Roses Emma, Bearer of the Stone John and Bearer of the White Roses Abbie, during the Ceremonies and Festivities of what is our Braw Lads' Gathering.