My Memorable Day

Mrs Norma MacArthur

Although this special day was over forty five years ago, a Wednesday on 20 March 1963 anno domini - what I still remember most about it - its beauty.

An absolutely beautiful day from daw until dusk. Always remembered.

From early morning on awakening to a cloudless blue sky with one of my bridesmaids, May, a former school friend, we knew this was it. The long awaited and prepared for day had arrived and it was indeed sunshine blessed!

Yes, the lovely morning extended into an equally lovely afternoon perfect for my wedding day.

I was twenty three years old and the village of Killin, Perthshire where I grew up as a girl, is the place where my fiancé and I were to tie-the-knot.

My dear mother, Annie had given us a wedding to be joyful about, a hundred guests attended at St Fillans Church, Killin 3pm conducted by Reverend J.R. Colquoun.

The elder of my two brothers George game me away and the River Dochart sparkled as we travelled in the bridal car across the bridge and into the village where a gathering of very many spectators were awaiting at the church.

My cousin Jennifer and May wore long bridesmaid dresses of coral pink and they carried posies of mixed freesias. The bridal dress I wore on the day was of white satin with a wonderful head dress of orange blossom and a long tulle veil.

I carried a nice bouquet of yellow roses and stephanotis with plenty of green fern to grace the whole effect.

The bridegroom Angus and his best man Eric each wore morning suits. We had met as students in Edinburgh.

The hymns I chose were: - O perfect love all human though transcending - The king of love my shepherd is

The St Fillans Church was a charming setting for a charming occasion and after the signing of the marriage certificate we were piped out into the sunshine by a lone piper Cathal Morrison.

Many photographs were taken before an even larger gathering of villagers. From one of the photographs traces of snow can be seen on the distant mountains although the shadows from the sunshine are clearly visible against the background of the whitewashed church.

Many key members of my family attended, my grandparents maternal Peter and Annie Harris, my aunt Jemimona and her friends Aunty Mary and Uncle Jimmy. While cousin Jim and brother Johnny were ushers. Angus's mother and sister Chrissy from the Isle of Lewis.

The wedding reception was held about 7 miles away at Lochearnhead Hotel and the wedding party travelled via Glenogle where I and my satin tulle train alighted on a welcoming carpet of red tartan.

As we received the guests and then enjoyed a meal from menu a la carte before the speeches I recall being excited and Uncle Jimmy surprised me when he gave a short family history with special reference to my Great Grandfather on my late father's side who was once Clerk-of-works to Earl Breadalbane at Taymouth Castle. It made me feel rather grand.

My mother had purchased me two designer outfits for going away. I chose the yellow suit. After fond farewells, the newlyweds were driven away into the evening sunset - 7pm - to spend their first night at The Station Hotel in Strathyre nearby in Perthshire.