Trustees of the Courthouse believe that the historic 18th Century building will prove a popular venue with the increasing number of couples who are seeking somewhere novel to take their nuptials.

And they also hope that other businesses in the town will benefit economically from the Courthouse wedding spin-off.

Cromarty Courthouse was this week granted a civil marriage venue licence by Highland Council's Ross, Skye and Lochaber licensing committee.

Trustee Ingrid Rochford explained: "We're hoping it's going to be a really popular venue because people are going for smaller weddings now and the Courthouse is a very unusual building to get married in.

"Couples could chose which area of the Courthouse they want to tie the knot it, whether it be the court room or even the cells.

"We've already had requests from couples wanting to use the Courthouse as a marriage venue."

Ingrid said the aim was to market the whole of Cromarty, and not just the Courthouse, as a wedding venue which could offer a range of facilities including catering business, local halls and accommodation in order that the wider community could gain.

Getting ready with the confetti and champagne are these trustees of Cromarty Courthouse, who want to attract civil weddings to the premises. Front, from left are: Ingrid Rochford, Jo Pierce and Anne Short, with Mary Bowers above. Ian Rhind 01349 877218

Local Highland Councillor David Alston said many couples who married in Cromarty asked if they could have their wedding photographs taken in the grounds of the Courthouse and also inside the building.

"It's an attractive historic building and people are attracted to it in the same way as they are to castles," said Cllr Alston.

"Apart from churches, courthouses are the oldest civic buildings we have in the Highlands. The Courthouse dates from 1772.

"The licence covers the whole of the building so couples could get married in any part of it, including the cells. I think people also want a bit of fun with their wedding venues and this might just suit the bill."

The Courthouse has won many awards for its interpretation of life in the fishertown including a trial from the 1770s in the original courtroom featuring life-like animated models with the voices of real local people.

editor@north-star-news.co.uk

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