AS THE town clock struck 8pm on Declaration Night 2023, 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, Cory Paterson was introduced as the 2023 Braw Lad and Emma Spence as the Braw Lass.
The pair were joined on the balcony by the bearers of the sod and red roses, John Turnbull and Abbie Hood, and the bearers of the stone and white roses, Robbie Lowrie and Nicola Laing.
After a verse each from Braw Braw Lads and Braw Braw Lasses and three cheers from the spectators, the group descended into the street where Emma was presented with her Bouquet by Faye Ramm and Rhys Lee of Stow 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 before leading the parade to the nearby park for refreshments.
Cory is a 21-year-old project worker, who is employed by Scottish Borders Council.
He attended Balmoral Primary and Galashiels Academy and is a member of the town's amateur operatics society. He is also a keen football fan.
He said: “I’m still on cloud nine. It’s unbelievable, but I feel so honoured to represent the town of Galashiels with my amazing Braw Lass Emma who is lovely.
"I loved watching all the horses riding up Scott Street when I was younger, so it's a privilege and honour to be doing it as the Braw Lad.
“I remember being at primary school when the Braw Lad came in to visit so this is a bit surreal.
“I would like to thank everyone for all the lovely messages of support and kind words.
“It was truly one of the greatest nights of my life so far and I am so grateful to everyone who came out to watch.
“I am so looking forward to the summer ahead as Braw Lad and know it will be a good one. I would also again like to wish my amazing Braw Lass and fellow principles the best of luck."
Emma is a 23-year-old former Caddonfoot Primary and Galashiels Academy pupil and is a self-employed agricultural contractor.
She said: “It’s an honour to be Braw Lass for 2023 and I look forward to representing Gala during the summer and carrying on our town’s tradition throughout the Braw Lads Gathering and especially on Braw Lads Day.
“Alongside my Braw Lad Cory and our attendants, I hope that we can make 2023 a summer to remember.”
President Hastie, who himself was Braw Lad in 1981, said: “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."
DANCERS – Balmoral PS: Brogan Gunn; Phoebe Marshall; Maher Alalwani; Demi McLaughlin; Inara Corrin; Blair Garment, Burgh PS: Archie Bryan; Maisie Gullen; Nelly Marszalek; Henry O’Donnell; Amelia Owen; Saskia Singh, Clovenfords PS: David Sinclair; Jemima Jewitt; Lucy Scott; Nelly Jagiello; Mia Rose Warner; Mikayla Hamilton, Glendinning PS: Mirren Ross; Peyton Marr; Rosie Paton; Daisy Cronin; Fraser Hardie; Charley Gray; Ruairi Hogg, Langlee PS: Kornelia Borowska; Kairyn Gray; Lauren Glen; Aimee Quinn; Bianka Onoszko; Arthur Grabowski; Lucas Smith; Aimee Mitchell, Stow PS: Lily Steele; Thomas Steele; Rhys Lee; Mirren Newton; Faye Ramm; Innes Hodgson, St Margaret's PS: Finlay Scott; Aanya Todd; Gabi Sobecka; Magdalena Knapik; Lune Van Staden; Madison O’Donnell (reserve), St Peter's: Bruce Denham; Fraser Paton; Gabriela Chojnacka; Anna Macneil; Frankie Harkness; Ella Forsyth; Alice Duncan, Tweedbank: Ava Swan; Katie Deerin; Zara McCormak; Rachel Hope; Amy Fenton; Lyra Crew; Ezme Rankin; Sophie Errington
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