The new Braw Lad and Lass both say they feel ready to take on the mantle this year.
A large crowd gathered below the Burgh Chambers balcony in Galashiels at 8pm tonight to hear Braw Lads Gathering president Andrew Johnston announce Daniel Whitehead and Lucy Black as the 2013 representatives.
Daniel, 21, a customer services assistant from the town’s Santander branch said: “Friends and family have been telling me to go for the Braw Lad for the last few years but I only felt ready this year.”
Twenty three year old Lucy, a sporting manager at Braidwood Clays near Selkirk added: “I have thought about it for a long time but have never felt ready.
“This year I just thought ‘go for it’. I have ridden the Gala Day before and live on Lawyer’s Brae right beside the Town Clock so the family always support the festival.”
Alongside Daniel and Lucy was Grand National winner and last year’s Braw Lad, Ryan Mania, who made it back home despite racing at Ayr today and preparing to ride Auroras Encore for the Scottish National tomorrow.
The 23-year-old is Bearer of the Sod, while 2012 Braw Lass Nicola Mackay is Bearer of the Red Roses. Lewis Playfair, 2011 Braw Lad, is Bearer of the Stone, while his Braw Lass Suzanne Henry is Bearer of the White Roses.
Read TheSouthern next week for full story and photos from tonight.