Principals picked to carry on traditions of the Gathering...
Town’s best kept secret: Jamie and Rebecca named as Braw Lad and Lass
AS THE SUN shone on Galashiels for Declaration Night, the Braw Lads’ Gathering president Bruce Hastie revealed the town’s best kept secret from the balcony of the Burgh Chambers.
To the cheers of the large crowd in attendance, Jamie Bell was introduced as the 2024 Braw Lad and Rebecca Grieve as the Braw Lass.
The pair were joined on the balcony by the Bearers of the Sod and Red Roses, Cory Paterson and Emma Spence; and the Bearers of the Stone and White Roses, John Turnbull and Abbie Hood.
After a verse each from Braw Braw Lads and Braw Braw Lasses, the group descended into the street where Rebecca was presented with her bouquet by Amy Fenton of Tweedbank Primary School.
The new Braw Lad and Lass and their Attendants then joined pupils from the Galashiels catchment primary schools in dancing the Dashing White Sergeant.
Jamie is 18 years old, and is a sales guide for EE.
He attended Tweedbank Primary School and Galashiels Academy, and enjoys playing rugby, cricket and golf.
He said: “I am honoured to be elected as Braw Lad for 2024.
“And I cannot wait to carry out my family’s traditions within the Gathering.
“I’m looking forward to the summer ahead with my Braw Lass Rebecca and our Attendants, representing the town at local Borders festivals, but most importantly Braw Lads’ Week and Braw Lads’ Day.”
Rebecca is a 23-year-old former
Caddonfoot Primary and Galashiels Academy pupil and is an early years practitioner.
She enjoys horse riding and helping out in the rural countryside.
She said: “It’s an honour to represent Galashiels as Braw Lass for 2024.
“Alongside my Braw Lad Jamie and my fellow Attendants, I look forward to making the summer of 2024 one to remember, and to inspire the next generation to uphold the town’s traditions.”
President Hastie, who himself was
Braw Lad in 1981, added: “I want to offer my warmest congratulations to the Braw Lad, Braw Lass and their attendants and wish them a happy and successful year in office.
“Once again we have six fine young people who will carry on the traditions of the Gathering and will represent the town with honour when they visit neighbouring burghs.
“I would ask all the people of Galashiels to give them their full support in the lead up to and especially on Braw Lads’ Day.”