Gay Weddings In Scotland

New Weddings Book

2009-09-21T19:06:00.000Z

Unbound Press is a small publishing house based in Glasgow and they've just published a new book all about weddings and civil partnerships in Scotland. Filled with lots of useful information, you might want to take a look or even take a book home. Check it out!

http://freespace.virgin.net/nicola.taylor/unboundpress.htm

www.highlandcountryweddings.co.uk

NEW 'Text Us A Question' Service!

2008-11-26T15:10:00.005Z

It's simple! You have a question about civil partnerships in Scotland. We can help you! If you have any question relating to Scottish Weddings and Civil Partnerships, please text us and we'll get back to you within 24 hours. If you need a contact, or want a price, maybe information on a venue, or want to know the latest deals on offer - just text us. Maybe you have a question about Scottish traditions or legal requirements - whatever you want to know in relation to Scottish marriage and civil partnership ceremonies, we will give you the answer! Take a look at http://www.scottishweddingshelpline.com/ for further details - or just SEND US A TEXT!

Start your message with the word 'WEDDING' followed by your question and send to 80008.

Service Currently Available in the UK Only.

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Photo By Tony Marsh

Happy Days at Melville Castle

2008-02-06T09:51:00.000Z

Lance and Barry from Fife, chose the beautiful setting of Melville Castle for their civil partnership ceremony and reception and invited friends and family to join them on this special occasion. A fantastic day was had by all, before the happy couple left in the evening to honeymoon in Miami! Our very best wishes and congratulations to you both!

Photos By Iain at PIC Weddings

Gay Weddings Scotland

Annie & Sylvana at Urquhart Castle - September 29th

2007-10-01T20:54:00.000Z

Annie and Sylvana from London spent the past year planning their civil partnership with Highland Country Weddings, which took place at the beautiful location of Urquhart Castle by Loch Ness, this last Saturday.

The weather was perfect (despite a midge or two), the registrar conducted a moving ceremony and champagne and nibbles followed aplenty. Annie and Sylvana were joined by their friends Ebon Knee, Bart and Wouter and our own Janis who felt truly privileged to be an invited guest. A further drinks reception and dinner was held at the beautiful 5 star Rocpool Reserve in Inverness.

A day to be remembered! Our very best congratulations to Annie and Sylvana!

Snap shots by Janis - here enjoying a drink with Ebon Knee :o)

Gay Weddings in Scotland

Highland Country Weddings

A good old Irish knees up!

2007-07-16T10:09:00.000Z

Michael and Fergus chose the beautiful city of Edinburgh to show their love and commitment to friends and family on 16th June this year. Coming over from Ireland, a lovely ceremony was held in the new registry office at Lothian Chambers, followed by a great reception and party at the Apex City Hotel, in the city's Grassmarket.

Congratulations to Michael and Fergus and here's to a continuing friendship! Best wishes from us all!

Photos by Jennifer at Jenniflower Wedding

Gay Weddings in Scotland

Highland Country Weddings

MTV Documentary on love

2007-03-14T18:10:00.000Z

MTV are currently producing a news documentary about young love, relationships and marriage, and are looking for young people planning their a civil partnership:

We are planning to follow a selection of young people willing to share their views and opinions on all aspects of this topic.We want to look at love from all angles and are looking for young people with interesting stories and experiences relating to love.Ideally we would be interested in getting in touch with young people (16-24) who are planning a civil partnership.

Contact for more information : nneke.laetitia@mtvne.com or on 020 7284 6392

Melville Castle - September 3rd with Nicholas and Paul

2006-09-18T00:31:00.000Z

A fantastic civil partnership ceremony happened at Melville Castle - just outside of Edinburgh - this month! September 3rd saw the union between Nicholas and Paul. They brought with them 35 friends and family from Ireland to celebrate their partnership. These are pictures from the renowned photographer, Margaret McAtier.

Highland Country Weddings

Wedding Photography by Margaret McAtier

BBC

2006-06-27T22:34:00.000Z

The BBC are making a series to represent the different kinds of relationships that exist in Britain today. The series will provide a fascinating insight into the world of modern relationships. They are looking for 12 couples.
Read on, if interested!

BBC TELEVISION WANTS TO TALK TO YOU ABOUT YOUR BIG DAY FOR ‘WEDDING STORIES’

Are you getting married between now and mid November 2006? The BBC is interested in speaking to couples who feel that they have an interesting story to tell and would be happy to be filmed in the weeks leading up to their big day. Are you long lost lovers? Is yours a story of love conquering all despite the odds? Or are you planning something out of the ordinary for your wedding day? Whatever the story we would like to be there to capture the moments up to and including that special journey up the aisle. If you would like to share your story why not give us a call? We will be happy to talk to you in more detail about the programme and will treat your call as confidential. 020 8752 5724 - Ella Ide Or e-mail wedding@bbc.co.uk

Gay Marriage Amendment fails to pass in US

2006-06-09T09:34:00.000Z

Following on from the recent upturn of events in the Western Isles, I logged on to read another story on ‘Gay Weddings’, but this time featuring the United States of America.

“The U.S. Senate voted down a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage on Wednesday, but Republicans planned a vote in the House of Representatives to keep a national spotlight on the hot-button issue.
The 49 to 48 Senate vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to clear a procedural hurdle, thwarting U.S. President George W. Bush and the mostly Republican lawmakers who said
The constitution must be amended to prevent judges from striking down existing state bans on gay marriage.” BTYahoo News

Clearly this is still a big issue in not only Scotland, but in other parts of the world too. Reports state, “According to a March 2006 poll by the Pew Research Centre, 51 percent of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, down from 63 percent in February 2004.” BTYahoo News

Forty-five states in the USA have amended their constitutions or brought in laws prohibiting same-sex marriages.

Although Scotland has experienced it’s own fair share of opposition and discrimination, it would seem that in comparison, it might still be an easier option to come to Scotland and make your commitment to each other public.

To find out more about your options for a ceremony in Scotland, contact us today and we will be happy to discuss further your plans.

A Change of Heart in the Hebrides for Civil Partnership Ceremonies

2006-06-09T09:32:00.000Z

A new bill is being introduced which makes it illegal for businesses and local authorities to discriminate against homosexuals. This will have implications for the Western Isles Council, who have to date refused to conduct same-sex ceremonies. Registrars working for the council have refused to take part in civil partnership registrations, leaving the Western Isles as the only place in Scotland where gay couples could not get ‘married’.

The move was one of controversy, with the Executive threatening to fly over registrars to perform the ceremonies. Gay Rights supporters condemned the move, with locals supporting the decision with the weight of the church behind them.

The new bill will have an impact on all businesses, including hotels and guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast establishments. Gay Rights campaigners have welcomed the decision, whereas the church has shown ‘dismay’.

Scottish Keepsakes

2006-04-10T15:32:00.000Z

If you are looking for something truly unique and truly Scottish, then try Pebbletree in Ullapool, in the north west Highlands. Donna MacKenzie specialises in providing Scottish pebbles, hand-picked from the local shoreline, as wedding gifts, keepsakes, favours or even as Christening gifts. The wish pebble can be inscribed as you wish, but is normally inscribed in both English and Gaelic - small, but timeless. For more information, go to www.pebbletree.co.uk or contact us at Gay Weddings in Scotland today for further information.

Civil Partnership Ceremonies in the Highlands

2006-04-10T15:30:00.000Z

Venue of the Month
Loch Torridon Country House Hotel, a former shooting lodge dating back to 1887, is a beautiful location for a wedding and perhaps one of the most scenic locations in Scotland. Set on the shores of Loch Torridon and below the towering mountains, the hotel has been beautifully restored to it’s original splendour, offering luxury accommodation, the finest cuisine and a perfect retreat for anyone who needs a break from today’s fast pace of living. They can arrange additional outdoor activities for you, provide a fine selection of malts at the whisky bar and even provide a bit of well-deserved pampering! Loch Torridon Country House is ideal for wedding parties of up to 42 people, offering everything on an exclusive use basis. For smaller parties of up to 16, non-exclusive use rates are also available, therefore offering everyone the chance to experience Highland Luxury. For more details, please e-mail Janis at gayweddscot@btinternet.com or for residents in the U.S.A/Canada, please contact Natasha at sgweddings@verizon.net

Travel to the Highlands for the perfect civil partnership ceremony

2006-04-10T15:26:00.000Z

It’s the 10th April and I’m afraid we’re a little late in getting this month’s newsletter out! We are very busy here in the UK and abroad and we lost track of time, for a short spell! We’ve decided for now that instead of a mass mailshot each month, we will put the newsletter up on the blog. So keep checking the blog at http://gayweddingsinscotland.blogspot.com/ on a regular basis, for information, recent ceremonies, pictures and so much more!

Our emphasis this month is on trying to attract couples to the beautiful Highlands of Scotland, where the culture is diverse, the scenery is rich and beautiful and the hospitality is at it’s best! Many couples come to us, asking for venues that are near to, or within easy travelling distance of a major airport. We do understand why this is the case, as many of you are travelling a long way to come and marry in Scotland. However, the travel links to all the major cities in Scotland are excellent now and we would like to encourage you to consider all of Scotland and all of it’s beauty, for your special day. You can fly from many major airports in England, into the city airports of Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Prestwick. You can also fly further north to Wick, at the tip of Scotland, therefore giving you many more options to choose from! Rail links are also excellent into all major cities in Scotland, as is Coach travel. If you would like to find out more, please check out the airport links as follows:
http://www.hial.co.uk/
http://www.aberdeenairport.com/
http://www.edinburghairport.com/
http://www.glasgowairport.com/
http://www.gpia.co.uk/

Best wishes,
Janis and Natasha

Happy New Year!

2005-12-31T21:27:00.002Z

We want to wish you all a very very Happy New Year.
Go for your dreams. If you dream it, you can make it come true!
Janis Natasha

A Date to Remember

2005-12-09T11:18:00.000Z

December 2005, a date that will go down in history and the month where at last civil partnership ceremonies become legal and gay and lesbian couples are granted the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. Much has been said, quoted and printed in the media over the last couple of months and more will be said in the coming weeks. Elton John and his partner David are one of the first gay couples to commit to each other in a low key and private civil partnership ceremony, proving that even celebrities wish to make their vows in a way that is special and important to them. Yes, they will have a big party to celebrate afterwards, but who doesn’t? And why not? Speculation by the media suggests that gay and lesbian couples may choose to commit to each other in a civil partnership ceremony, once the general ‘hype’ has died down. And rightly so. Gay Weddings in Scotland can help you to plan your special day at a location in Scotland, guaranteeing your privacy and confidentiality. Contact us today for some ideas on venues and costs and let us help you plan your day to remember. Happy Christmas Everyone!

Gay Weddings In Scotland Does It For Free!!!

2005-10-17T20:11:00.000Z

We'll Do It For Free - Says GWinS

December 21st, 2005 - is the date for the first Civil Partnership Ceremony in the UK.

Make history and marry on that date! We'll co-ordinate and arrange your ceremony in Scotland, subject to your chosen venue's availability and legal status, wherever you want - no FEE!

Select from a number of gorgeous castles and hotels in different parts of Scotland. Make history and chances are you may make headline news in the media too! This offer is good for the first 5 couples who respond. Contact us right away for more details at sgweddings@verizon.net

Corrieshalloch Gorge

2005-10-17T19:50:00.000Z

This gorge is close to Ullapool in the North West Scottish Highlands and is just one example of the beautiful scenery in Scotland. Gay Weddings In Scotland can arrange your wedding ceremony anywhere in Scotland.

Gay Weddings In Scotland Does It For Free!!!

2005-10-12T10:25:00.000Z

We'll Do It For Free - Says GWinS

December 21st, 2005 - is the date for the first Civil Partnership Ceremony in the UK. Make history and marry on that date! We'll co-ordinate and arrange your ceremony in Scotland, subject to your chosen venue's availability and legal status, wherever you want - no FEE!

Select from a number of gorgeous castles and hotels in different parts of Scotland. Make history and chances are you may make headline news in the media too!

This offer is good for the first 5 couples who respond. Contact us right away for more details at sgweddings@verizon.net

Dornoch Castle Hotel

2005-10-12T10:12:00.000Z

Within easy reach of Inverness airport, Dornoch Castle Hotel is one of Gay Weddings In Scotland's favourite Highland venues. Dormoch is a pretty little village in the north east corner of the Highlands and is famous for its golf course and the fact that Madonna married nearby. She had her son christened at Dornoch Cathedral. The Castle Hotel has been completely reburbished during the past few years. The master bedroom, in Highland Gothic style, has to be seen to be believed!

Comments

2005-10-11T11:17:00.000Z

Ooops, I had a setting wrong on this blog preventing comments from visitors. Apologies. The setting has now been changed so please feel free to comment (especially if they are nice ones!)

Gay Weddings In Scotland Does It For Free

2005-10-10T18:54:00.000Z

We'll Do It For Free - Says GWinS

December 21st, 2005 - is the date for the first Civil Partnership Ceremony in the UK.

Make history and marry on that date! We'll co-ordinate and arrange your ceremony in Scotland, subject to your chosen venue's availability and legal status, wherever you want - no FEE!

Select from a number of gorgeous castles and hotels in different parts of Scotland. Make history and chances are you may make headline news in the media too!

This offer is good for the first 5 couples who respond. Contact us right away for more details at sgweddings@verizon.net

Oran Mor, Glasgow

2005-10-10T18:43:00.000Z

Why not let Gay Weddings In Scotland organise your wedding at Oran Mor in Glasgow's sophisticated West End. And, afterwards, continue the honeymoon in a luxury apartment in the city centre, right on the edge of Glasgow's gay quarter!

Gay Weddings In Scotland Does It For Free

2005-10-09T18:11:00.000Z

We'll Do It For Free - Says GWinS

December 21st, 2005 - is the date for the first Civil Partnership Ceremony in the UK.

Make history and marry on that date! We'll co-ordinate and arrange your ceremony in Scotland, subject to your chosen venue's availability and legal status, wherever you want - no FEE!

Select from a number of gorgeous castles and hotels in different parts of Scotland. Make history and chances are you may make headline news in the media too!

This offer is good for the first 5 couples who respond. Contact us right away for more details at sgweddings@verizon.net

Melville Castle

2005-10-09T18:02:00.000Z

How about Melville Castle, near to Edinburgh, for your Civil Partnership Ceremony?

We'll Do It For Free - Says GWinS

2005-10-06T09:46:00.000Z

December 21st, 2005 - is the date for the first Civil Partnership Ceremony in the UK.

Make history and marry on that date!

We'll co-ordinate and arrange your ceremony in Scotland, subject to your chosen venue's availability and legal status, wherever you want - no FEE!

Select from a number of gorgeous castles and hotels in different parts of Scotland. Make history and chances are you may make headline news in the media too!

This offer is good for the first 5 couples who respond. Contact us right away for more details at sgweddings@verizon.net

Homophobia in West Lothian?

2005-10-06T09:36:00.000Z

Here's a really well written report from The Scotsman, dated today. I would normally condense such things but, well, it's just a well-reported report so why should I try and change it?And it's good to see that Councillor Maclean was on his own in this.

Call for councillor to quit over 'parading queers' comments ANGIE BROWN

A COUNCILLOR who described gay men and lesbians as, "wrong-doers" was under pressure to resign last night.
Duncan Maclean, an independent West Lothian councillor, drew condemnation for his remarks and asking why "queers have to parade about in public".

Mr Maclean made the comments after unsuccessfully trying to stop same-sex marriage ceremonies from going ahead in register offices and other venues in his council borough.
Cllr Maclean had stated: "It's political correctness gone mad. As the Bible teaches, 'Wrong-doers will not inherit the kingdom of God', and this includes lesbians and gays.
"If these people want to enter into a formal commitment, why don't they go to a lawyer and get them to sign a formal legal document? Why do these queers have to parade about in public?"
MSP Margaret Mitchell, the Conservative justice spokeswoman, said the comments were offensive.
She said: "This is not acceptable and it is a sad reflection on Cllr Maclean. Everyone has the right to their opinion - that is the true test of a democratic society after all - but they cannot use such offensive and abusive language. He needs to join the 21st century and apologise."
MSP Christine Grahame, of the SNP, said the remarks were out of touch with a modern Scotland. She added: "These comments show that Mr Maclean clearly does not have a grip on reality. These prehistoric views should have been left behind in the Stone Age and have no place in today's Scottish society."
Equality campaigners and gay rights groups also said they were stunned by his views.
A spokesman for Outrage! said: "This councillor needs to get his act together. The world has changed.
"He's not the best person to be representing people in his constituency. He would be doing everyone a favour if he stepped down."
Partners Robin Scott and Jean Philippe are co-owners of the Claremont Bar in East Claremont Street, Edinburgh, and want to open up their pub as one of the first venues in Edinburgh to hold gay ceremonies this December. Mr Scott said: "The Scottish Executive is in favour of gay ceremonies and so is the Registrar General, so I think this councillor is in the minority."
The Armadale West councillor failed to find a seconder for his motion against the proposals on Monday afternoon, when councillors agreed to the holding of gay marriage ceremonies at register offices and approved venues.
He also said fellow West Lothian councillors should "hang their heads in shame" after giving the green light to gay marriage ceremonies.
From 5 December, two people of the same sex will be allowed to enter into a civil partnership by going through a registration procedure similar to that for a civil marriage.
The Civil Partnership Act states that local authorities only need to provide a registration facility, but West Lothian has now gone a stage further in allowing a form of ceremony to be held.
A West Lothian Council spokeswoman stressed the councillor's views did not represent those of the council.
She said: "Cllr Maclean is the elected member for Armadale West and is an independent and as such has his own views. However these are not the views of West Lothian Council."
Last night Cllr Maclean stood by his remarks and said he would not apologise for them.
He said: "I don't think I am offending any of my constituents as none of my voters are gay."

Technorati

2005-10-03T14:05:00.000Z

Technorati Profile

We'll Do It For Free - Says GWinS

2005-09-29T07:39:00.000Z

December 21st, 2005 - is the date for the first Civil Partnership Ceremony in the UK

Make history and marry on that date!

We'll co-ordinate and arrange your ceremony in Scotland, subject to your chosen venue's availability and legal status, wherever you want - no FEE!

Select from a number of gorgeous castles and hotels in different parts of Scotland. Make history and chances are you may make headline news in the media too!

This offer is good for the first 5 couples who respond. Contact us right away for more details at sgweddings@verizon.net

Luxury flat - Glasgow Merchant City

2005-09-28T13:21:00.000Z

This apartment is on the edge of the gay quarter in Glasgow's Merchant City and is available for short breaks through Gay Weddings In Scotland http://www.gayweddingscotland.co.uk/

Glasgay: Scotland With Style

2005-09-28T12:55:00.000Z

Readers of Conde Nast Traveller magazine – the bible of the travel industry - have recently voted Glasgow as second only toLondon as a UK tourist destination. It was the 18th most popular city in the world for city breaks in 2003 with 3.2 million visitors. It was also voted second only to London for its food scene. And, being a resident of this great city, it’s easy to see why Glasgow is so popular.

The jewel in Glasgow’s crown has got to be the Merchant City. It is bang at the heart of the city centre, just at the back ofGeorge Square which houses the imposing City Chambers. Recent redevelopment here has introduced a lifestyle mixture which must surely be the envy of the world. With residential accommodation, shops, bars, restaurants and businesses this means the area is simply buzzing. You must visit it!http://www.glasgowmerchantcity.net/

And what's more, Glasgow's gay quarter is centred on the Merchant City. And we're not surprised. It offers everything! http://www.glasgay.co.uk/homepages/gayglasgow.htm

City of Culture in 1990 http://www.bbc.co.uk/capitalofculture/glasgow/

City of Architecture in 1999 and home to beautiful buildings which, thanks to the foresight of the city leaders, have beenpreserved for everybody’s enjoyment. You can take a virtual walkaround the place and see examples of the fine architecture at http://www.scotcities.com/central.htm

The home of 13 world class museums and art galleries http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/

The home of over 60 of the country’s best restaurants http://www.bestglasgowrestaurants.com/

The home of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, influential art nouveau artist, whose work survives mainly in Glasgow. Take a virtual tour of his surviving works at http://www.crmsociety.com/

A fabulous place for retail therapy. It has the glitziest and most stylish of shops, all contained within the city centre http://www.glasgowguide.co.uk/shops-thelist.html

Glasgow International Airport is on the city doorstep –literally 10 minutes away from the centre http://www.glasgowairport.com/

Prestwick Airport is just 32 miles from Glasgow centre,servicing the UK and Europe http://www.gpia.co.uk/

Glasgow Underground or ‘The Subway’ or ‘The Clockwork Orange’– call it what you like, this underground transport system provides a cheap, efficient and easy way of getting around the city http://clyde-valley.com/glasgow/under.htm

Glasgow West End, centred around Byres Road, is the place to be for small cafes, bars, delicatessens and interesting restaurants.This is where the celebs live! http://www.glasgowwestend.co.uk/

Would you like to see a show? Watch a film? Glasgow offers you anything you might want. Check out this site http://www.gnws.co.uk/html/theatres.htm

Do you love live music? Just take a walk along Buchanan Streetand listen to the buskers there – blues competes with reggae, folk, classical, country and western and the traditional pipe and drums for attention. Take a look here too: http://www.gigguide.co.uk/glasgow.htm

How about a music festival? http://www.glasgowmusicfestival.org/

Glasgow is the home of the National Piping Centrehttp://www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/

6,000 of Scotland’s Gaelic speakers live in Glasgowhttp://www.cnag.org.uk/ggc.htm

The home of Billy Connolly, Glaswegians have a style of humour all their own. It is born out of their tough, industrial history but lives on in what has become a sophisticated, vibrant city http://www.cnag.org.uk/ggc.htm

And yet, Glasgow is is only minutes from some of the mostbeautiful countryside you could find. Have a look at Loch Lomondand the Trossachs at http://www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/

Edinburgh Tops Gay Weddings Poll

2005-09-28T09:29:00.000Z

Radio station Gaydar reports that Edinburgh will prove the top choice in Scotland for gay weddings when Civil Partnerships become legal in December 2005. Ranked third in the UK overall, after Brighton and London, Edinburgh attracted 16 per cent ofthe nation's vote.

This finding comes as no surprise to Scotland's wedding planners. Edinburgh has long been the country's favourite wedding destination for heterosexual couples. Add to its traditional popularity factors the existence of a vibrant gayscene - http://www.edinburgh-pubs.co.uk/edinburgh_gay_bars_edinburgh_gay_clubs.html - and you have all the ingredients for a forthcoming gay weddings bonanza!

In another recent poll, this time by YouGov, Edinburgh emerged as the 'fifth most talked about city in the world'. These are just some of the things that attract people toEdinburgh with weddings in mind.

Edinburgh Castle - the number one tourist attraction and the ultimate wedding venue for those wanting tradition in bucketsful. You can marry in St Margaret's Chapel, the GatehouseSuite, the Jacobite Room or the Queen Anne Building. Just imagine saying 'I do' as the one o'clock gun goes off! http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/home/tour/castle.html

The Royal Mile - connecting the Castle with the Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh's oldest street combines shopping and history in sufficient quantity to satisfy the most demanding ofvisitor. http://www.aboutscotland.com/edin/royal.html

Princes Street - and speaking of shopping, take a walk along the city's second most famous street for some retail therapy http://www.electricscotland.com/history/picturesque/page12.htm

Edinburgh Festival - fancy a bit of culture? Tryhttp://www.electricscotland.com/history/picturesque/page12.htm

The Fringe - or some alternative culture?http://www.edfringe.com/

The Military Tattoo - if men in uniforms by the score, and bagpipes by the hundred is your thing, try http://www.edintattoo.co.uk/

Cool Culture - find information about theatres and concerts, national galleries and museums, commercial galleries and art at
http://www.coolgossip-edinburgh.com/interests/theatre_museums.shtml

More shopping? - http://www.edinburghcastle.biz/shopping.html

Top quality hotels - http://www.stayinedinburgh.net/

And budget hotels - http://www.stayinedinburgh.net/

Restaurants to suit every taste and pocket -http://www.edinburghrestaurants.co.uk/

Edinburgh Airport - easy access to the capital by EdinburghInternational Airport http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/jcurry/

What more could you ask of a weddings location? History with a capital 'H', shopping with a capital 'S', and entertainment with a capital 'E'. The area boasts a huge selection of wedding venues, offering both traditional and contemporary ceremonies. And, the city is gay friendly. What are you couples waiting for?

Gay Weddings Hit The Highlands

2005-09-28T09:25:00.000Z

It's all systems go in the Highlands for wedding planners and wedding venues alike. On 21st December, this year, Civil Partnerships between same sex couples - commonly known as GayWeddings - will be permitted throughout the UK. Already, some Scottish wedding planners report considerable interest from the gay and lesbian communities for the traditional 'kilt andbagpipes' wedding in a Highland castle or a luxury hotel.

But the arrival of equality in the wedding aisle north of the border has not been without its hiccups. As The Press andJournal reported on 4th August: "Highland councillors have recommended registrars only perform a basic registration - the absolute minimum required by the legislation..."

Not surprisingly this perceived homophobia caused an uproar in the gay and lesbian community, and among politicians at the national level. Intensive lobbying of the council began.

Other Scottish local authorities reacted differently. Perth and Kinross, Angus, Aberdeenshire, Argyll and Bute, Moray andAberdeen City Councils, for example, all announced their unqualified acceptance of the spirit of the Civil Partnershp Act, as well as its letter.

The lobbying process, and some would say common sense and fairness as well, won the day. On 17th August, at another meeting of the Highland Council Resources Committee, the following was approved:

"a) that Civil Partnerships in Highland be registered in Registration Offices or in other locations agreed for the purpose subject to checks, where appropriate, to establish any health and safety issues which might affect staff in respect of alternative locations

b) that Registration takes the form of a simple registration, or a ceremony as requested by the partners"

And so, Scottish gay weddings websites are up and running, advertising campaigns have started, and wedding venues are having to think through the services they offer to same sex couples after years of catering only to heteros. It will be interesting and not a little exciting to see how they all fare.Whatever happens, the average Scot, Lowlander or Highlander, will be only too ready, willing and able to toast the happy couple with a wee dram of single malt. Slainte!