THE bond between Galashiels and Selkirk was reinforced once again on Friday night.

Galaleans and Souters alike lined the streets to cheer on their festivals’ Principals as Braw Lad Jamie Bell, Braw Lass Rebecca Grieve and their Attendants – Cory Paterson, Emma Spence, Abbie Hood, and John Turnbull – met Royal Burgh Standard Bearer Mathew Stanners and his two Burleymen – Thomas Bell and Adam Nichol.

The mounted cavalcade was led up Tweed Road where the riders were met by the Galashiels Ex-Service Pipe Band at Parsonage Road.

Then, on arrival at the Burgh Chambers, the Principals received a Stirrup Cup before the ride continued around the town centre.

And, as usual, there was great support from the crowd – who cheered on the riders and took photographs as they passed.

The Gala Souters’ annual Spurs Night Dinner Dance took place at the British Legion.

A Braw Lads’ Gathering spokesperson said: “What a great turnout for our first official ride out, with 67 horses following our Braw Lad, Braw Lass and Attendants.

“A huge thank you to Fountain News & Confectionery for providing the goodie bags for the riders and Gala YM RFC for providing the Stirrup Cup for the Principals.”