A VIRTUAL ceremony is to take place today at Gretna Green to celebrate a couple's pearl wedding anniversary.

Streaming live from the site where young English couples historically eloped over the border to tie the knot, it will be the venue's first online anvil blessing.

The couple, Dianne and David Bushnell married in Gretna Green at the Famous Blacksmiths Shop on May 21, 1990, and were due to return to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

The couple, who would have had to cancel the special day because of the coronavirus pandemic, said: “We married at Gretna Green 30 years ago and have fond memories of our special day.

“Our intention was to travel to visit on our anniversary but living in England and with the lockdown stipulations we are unable to.”

As a result of Government restrictions, the journey from their home in Rugby had to be cancelled because the attraction is closed to the public. However, to help Dianne and David celebrate their special anniversary, Gretna Green and minister Graeme Murray teamed up to perform the 266-year-old wedding venue’s first-ever virtual anvil blessing ceremony using the power of video call.

Happy to help, minister Graeme Murray will host the ceremony. He said: “At this present time, it is so good to have the opportunity to celebrate something positive.

“Although we obviously cannot perform face-to-face marriage and blessing services in the way that we usually would, we have still been able to work together with David and Dianne in producing a very personal service, and we are thankful for the technology that is going to enable us to celebrate their special occasion with them, and their family and friends.”

Friends and family will be able to watch the anvil blessing live, from around the world to help the couple celebrate this momentous milestone.

An anvil blessing is a vow renewal celebration, unique to Gretna Green. Usually performed formally by a minister or celebrant – but also available as an informal celebration performed by a blacksmith's guide.