THE BRAW LADS'
GATHERING


VISITING FROM OVERSEAS?




If you are visiting Galashiels from overseas and you are here for the Braw Lads’ Gathering, the President of the Gathering would like to extend to you, an invitation to join them, at the Civic Reception, on the evening of Thursday 26th June, 2025.


For further information please contact the Clerk to the Gathering by using the button below.


EMAIL THE CLERK

CIVIC RECEPTION/ OVERSEAS RECEPTION


Thursday 26th June 2025




By Invitation Only


Traditionally the Braw Lads’ Gathering hosts a Civic Reception in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels. It is at this reception that the Gathering shows its appreciation to the many people who contribute with time, goods and services to our festival. We also host our many sponsors who advertise at or fund specific events during the week.


The Civic Reception has a unique blend of entertainment, provided by local artists and organisations. A mild number of speeches of welcome and thanks are offered to those attending.


The week of the Braw Lads’ Gathering is a traditional time for Galaleans from all over the world to return home to Galashiels for the festivities, it is seen as a time for family and friends to reunite in a place they call home.


In recognition of the many who return or visit the town from overseas the President of the Braw Lads’ Gathering extends an invitation to them to join us at the Civic Reception.


If you would like to attend the Civic Reception or know of someone who will be here during the Gathering and they would like to attend please contact the Clerk to the Gathering who will be able to help with the arrangements. Please use the contact button below.

Email The Clerk

Investiture Concert



Friday 27th June 2025





This is a Public Event Open to All


The Investiture of the Braw Lad and Braw Lass is traditionally held on the Friday of the Braw Lads’ Gathering. At this ceremony both the Braw Lad and the Braw Lass receive their official sashes, which will be worn until they are returned to the Chairman of the Braw Lads’ Gathering at a ceremony on the Saturday night. Their Investiture will take place in the Volunteer Hall, Galashiels in the presence of the people of Galashiels, local dignitaries and visiting Principals of the Border Towns.


The original sashes were presented to the Gathering by the former Edinburgh and District Braw Lads’ Association, and the Galaleans of Lawrence Massachusetts, USA. Both sashes were replaced in 1964 – the Braw Lads’, again by the Edinburgh and District Braw Lads’ Association, and the Braw Lasses, by the late Ex-Provost, Colin Kemp. In 1993 the the Ex Braw Lads’ and Lasses Association replaced the Braw Lads’ sash whilst the 1968 Braw Lad and Braw Lass replaced the sash for the Braw Lass.


Until recently the names of the Braw Lad and Braw Lass were engraved on a silver plate which formed part of each sash. The sashes of today no longer have these plates as there is now a roll of honour board in Old Gala House where all the Braw Lads’ and Braw Lasses’ are named.


The Braw Lad will be sashed by our 25th year Braw Lad and Braw Lass and the Braw Lass will be sashed by two of our Overseas Visitors.


The Ex-Braw Lads’ and Lasses’ Choir, Pipes and Drums from the Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band and selection of local artists will take part in the entertainment for the evening.


Admission is by Donation taken at the Door - Thank You.