AN AWARD-WINNING Peeblesshire florist has lost more than £40,000 worth of business as coronavirus forces couples to push back their weddings.

Emma McDonald opened Stems at Innerleithen's Chapel Street in 2016.

But from having a bulging calendar only a few weeks ago, she is now reeling from the blow of multiple postponements.

Nevertheless, Emma is trying to see the roses through the thorns – and was recently touched by a heartwarming act of kindness.

Galashiels bride and groom Andrina MacLellan and Steven Lees had already paid for Emma's services when they were forced to call-off their marriage due to the virus.

Instead of letting all the flowers go to waste, the generous couple offered a gift to Emma.

“They said they wanted me to try and sell the rest as I was going to need the money now more than ever," said Emma.

"In what must have been a horrific time they thought of me and my business and words can’t describe what that meant.”

Emma added: "It would’ve been lovely to have given them to care homes but, because of the risk of spreading the virus, delivering them would’ve been too difficult."

The florist says a friendship has now bloomed and has committed to giving Andrina and Steven an "amazing" display when they finally get hitched.

“I know once all of this calms down and normality resumes we will become such good friends organising the most beautiful wedding day over copious amounts of coffee,” Emma said.

Contemplating the future, she added: “I have worked so hard to get to the position I was in at the start of the year. I’ve not had any cancellations so I will still get to bring my couples’ visions to life, albeit at a later date."