A historic visitor attraction has hosted its first wedding as an official venue after a two-year hiatus.
Arbroath couple Jackie Watson and Derek Middler tied the knot during an emotional ceremony at the town’s 12th Century abbey on Sunday.
Their vows came after a U-turn by tourism body Historic Scotland over hosting ceremonies at the venue. It first made mention of its threat to pull the plug on the staging of weddings at the site in July 2012.
But the body reversed its decision in the face of public condemnation and the intervention of Arbroath Abbey Action Group.
Historic Scotland’s original decision was due to a decline in the number of weddings taking place, but it agreed to a one-year stay of execution to March 31.
The organisation later revealed it would continue to allow ceremonies to be hosted at the abbey with the Middlers being the first.
Arbroath Abbey Action Group chairman Harry Ritchie wished the newlyweds “every happiness” and urged people across Scotland and abroad to show Historic Scotland the wisdom of their decision.
He said: “It really is the case that it must be used, or there may come a time when they change their minds again.”
Photo by Angus Pictures