Peeblesshire News | News | A Kirk wedding

Saturday, 17th May, 2008

Published: Friday, 25th April, 2008 09:00

A Kirk wedding - at long, long, last

By David Knox

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Donna and Warren soak up the atmosphere at the Cross Kirk, where they will say 'I do' next month

PEEBLES’ oldest building is about to get a new lease of life – as a wedding venue.

The Cross Kirk has been religiously redundant, apart from a couple of annual ceremonies, since the 1780s.

But next month a couple from Innerleithen will help return it to prominence by tying the knot inside the nave of the 13th Century ruins.

Donna Thomson, 23, and Warren Palacci, 29, searched all over Peeblesshire for a suitable venue.

And they both fell in love with the former friary and parish church.

Donna told the Peeblesshire News: “We were looking for somewhere that wasn’t a typical church and wasn’t a hotel – we wanted something a bit unique but beautiful at the same time.

“We were out for a walk one day when we wandered into the Cross Kirk and decided there and then that this was the place.”

As the ground is still considered consecrated local minister Callum McDougal will carry out the service.

The Cross Kirk was erected on the site where an old stone cross was discovered in the 12th Century.

During some turbulent centuries the Kirk had a monastery attached, which was later burned down by the English in 1549.

Following the reformation of 1560 the Kirk became the burgh’s parish church with three burial aisles being added during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The Cross Kirk was eventually abandoned in 1784 on completion of the new parish church and it gradually fell into disrepair.

Historic Scotland became guardians of the ruins in the 1920s and they are delighted to offer the Kirk to couples looking to get hitched.

A spokesperson for Historic Scotland told us: “With such history and atmosphere the Cross Kirk is a fantastic choice for an outdoor spring or summer wedding.

“Surrounded by mature trees and greenery, it is a lovely village setting.

“The remains consist of the nave of the church with a western tower, the footings of cloistral buildings and later burial vault.”

“Around 60 guests will join Donna and Warren for their special date at the Cross Kirk on May 31.

The ceremony will be followed by a Champagne reception within the Kirk’s courtyard and an evening party at the Memorial Hall in Innerleithen.

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