Annual Events
of the Gathering

This is a celebration of Gala Songs – all Galashiels Cluster Primary Schools join in to give their rendition of a celebrated local song, thus keeping our culture, creativity and customs alive for the future. An increasingly popular concert now enjoys the ability to draw in a wider selection of musical entertainment and artists.

Open to all ages and abilities. Anyone wishing to participate in this popular event should meet at Galafoot at 10am. The route shall proceed via Boleside along the cycle path to Lindean and back to Galafoot at approximately 11am. Prizes are awarded to the oldest and youngest riders. This is an ideal day for all the family to follow the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and Attendants. In the interests of Health and Safety it is recommended that cycle helmets are worn. ​

The Braw Lads’ Country Dance is now a well established in the circuit of dancers in the area and is eagerly awaited and well supported by dancers from all over the Borders and further afield.

The Braw Lads’ Reel, a sixsome reel devised by the late Mrs Anne Naismith, is performed by the Principals for the first time in public and is always met with an enthusiastic ovation from the audience..

During the Braw Lads’ Week much of the emphasis is on the children. On the Saturday, children in P1-P5 have the opportunity to show off their dancing skills at the Braw Lads'’ Discos. The Braw Lad and Braw Lass will be there to join in the fun and games!

P1-2 - 10am-11am

P3-5 - 12pm-1pm

For over a decade now the Ball has been held on the Saturday evening at the start of the Braw Lads’ Week. This has proved to be a popular move and the event quickly reestablished itself as one of the highlights of the Gathering. Entertainment by Bleeker and Juneilian Scottish Dance Band,

6.30pm Doors open

7.00pm Principals introduced and meal

9.00pm Grand March

10.30pm Braw Lads' Reel

Ticketed Event

St Paul's Church, Galashiels

The annual Kirking gives time for calm reflection before the week starts in full. The service is typically held the in a place of worship of the Braw Lads choosing and is open to the community to join the congregation.

The Braw Lads’ Sports is held at Netherdale and remains a favourite event for many. The Galashiels Town Band and the Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band are there to entertain while the youngsters of the town represent their school in the Races, Football Festival and the Potted Sports. Some may prefer the pony rides or face painting. However everything stops to watch the Principals' Race which is always fun and it’s a delight to watch as the Braw Lass is presented with a bouquet by one of the local schoolchildren.

From 10am Football Festival

From 11am 5Km Run

From 1pm Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Assault Course, Lawn Games

1.30 Bouquet Presentation to the Braw Lass followed by the Principals' Race

1.45 - Children's Sports

2.00 - Live Bands and Entertainment

The ride out commemorates the religious history of Galashiels with a ride to the Auld Kirk at Lindean where in a short ceremony the Braw Lad lays a wreath of wild flowers on the Preachers Cross.

Approximate timings:

6.00pm Leave Netherdale and ford the River Tweed

7.30pm Arrive Lindean
8.15pm Leave Lindean
8.30pm Arrive at Hollybush for the Lindean Chases
9.30pm War Memorial
10.00pm Ride concludes

The Ex-Braw Lads’ and Lasses' Association organise the Riders' Social after the ride out. For further details please contact the Association.

The annual Swimming Gala is held at Galashiels Swimming Pool. The competitors age from 8 to 12 years and come from the TD1 area. Points are awarded for those taking part, the school with the accumulative highest number of points at the end of the evening wins the coveted Douglas Brown Trophy. The Braw Lad, Braw Lass and Attendants are present to lead the cheering and to present the Trophy and medals to those on the podium.