Galashiels was granted a royal charter in 1599 and the event is celebrated each summer with the "Braw Lads Gathering" when a mounted procession goes to various parts of the district. Situated on both sides of the Gala Water this pleasant and spaciously laid out borders town made its name and fortune with world renowned association with tweed and woolens manufacturing. The Mercat Cross in the town dates from 1695. The town crest with the motto "soor plums" commemorates a border foray of 1337, when some english soldiers were caught while picking wild plums and were killed in ensuing fight. ... < more >