A Scottish Island Wedding



Approaching Arran

The sun slowly rose in the almost cloudless sky on the island of Arran, as the preparations began in two separate hotels. The bridegroom nervously donned his kilt in his single room, while the bride and bridesmaid chattered as hair and make-up distracted them until the hour arrived. As the groom waited in patient anticipation in the tiny church, there was a clatter of hoofs announcing the arrival of the ponies and trap.

The first notes of Pachelbel's Canon alerted the guests. The beautiful bride was here. Slowly, she walked down the small aisle on her father's arm, followed by the lovely bridesmaid, and took her place beside her groom.

And so our son was maried to his beautiful bride on Friday as the small selection of family and friends looked on in delight. It seemed the more meaningful as they clearly spoke aloud their vows in such a lovely small church and I was so pleased to be asked to do a reading. My daughter was the bridesmaid - and 'best man' as it turned out, as my son's friend and his wife were about to have their first baby on the mainland! 

The whole day was a delight. The  ponies and Victorian trap were an elegant and romantic addition, carrying the bride and groom from the church at one end of Brodick to the hotel at the other side of the long promenade, much to the delight of all they passed by. The enterprising staff from one newer hotel even asked to use a photo of them in the carriage for their advertising and publications. As the two new families enjoyed a wonderful meal together in the evening, it was the end to a perfect day.

The bride, groom, bridesmaid and a couple of their friends went pony trekking the following morning while we explored the island, then we all met up for lunch.

 

If my long sight was better, I might have seen the golden eagle that suddenly appeared on the mountain top behind the distillery cafe. Mr and Mrs were in fine form, relieved the months of anxious preparation were over!

Our few days on the island were a mini holiday, as we explored the wonderful hills and glens, never far from the stunning coastal villages. The remains of the ancient castle at Lochranza sat in a peaceful setting, while the more imposing Brodick castle was hidden among impressive gardens. Overlooking the whole of Arran, the highest mountain, Goatfell, was visible from everywhere.

With its own whisky distillery, dairy ice cream, cheese, chocolate, beauty products (Arran Aromatics),  as well as various other cottage industries, Arran is a delightful holiday destination and the ferry ride is around an hour from the mainland, making it ideal for a weekend escape. The best part of all is that even in busiest times, there are almost empty beaches, coves and country walks that give it the feel of another world. The Holy Isle is even more of a retreat and is a short boat ride away from Lamlash - and it's completely car-free.

So, all in all, it was the most memorable weekend of the year!

Rosemary