Born at Newark, St Monans, Braid studied at the Waid Academy in Anstruther before becoming a painter and decorator.
He joined the Scottish National Party (SNP) and was elected to St Monans Burgh Council before World War II.
During the war, he served as a pilot with the Royal Air Force's Bomber Command, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, then, on his return, began working for the local electricity board.
[1] First elected provost of St Monans in the 1950s, Braid filled the post on multiple occasions, and was also successful in winning election to North East Fife District Council and Fife County Council.
[5][6] Braid once parked his car on the pier at St Monans, then, on returning, accidentally reversed it into the harbour.