The marriage of Iain & Patricia

The Marriage of Iain Hutchison and Patricia Dawson

24th July 2010

Photos by Stuart Somerville, Meg Barrowman,and Patrick Murray.

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Stuart SomervilleMeg Barrowman   Patrick Murray

Iain & Patricia’s ‘Society’ wedding.


Frankly, Sheila and I had never been invited to a Society Wedding before, never mind a ‘Royal’ Society Wedding. However, this occasion, in essence, was intrinsically connected to the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, the Groom being the Glasgow Branch Chairman, the couple having met, nurtured their relationship, and fostered friendships through the society who’s members provided the backbone of the guest list. I mention this because, in fact, our own wedding was a Society Bash, the reception was held in the Dundee Co-op Halls – Very posh!!!

The most striking feature upon arrival at New Kilpatrick Church was the array of colour, not the flower arrangements (lovely as they were), but among the guests. In addition to the profusion of various tartans displayed by the gentlemen’s kilts and the ladies dresses, the bride’s strong connection with Norway brought a number of guests in colourful traditional costumes. Onlookers could be forgiven for thinking that they had wandered onto the set of a period movie. A unique aspect of the service revolved around the design of the ‘Luckenbooth Broach’, not only had it featured on the invitations and the order of service, but the Minister referred to its endearing illustration of love, affection, and everlasting devotion. “It also appears,” he said “that it is a popular country dance – Would you like to give us a demonstration?” – Although the Groom did show some initial enthusiasm, decorum dictated that the due process of betrothal continue unabated. Although being a bit iffy, but clear, the weather waited until the party was about to leave the church before the heavens opened. Older and wiser heads however, nodded enthusiastically in agreement that this was a good omen, ensuring a long and happy relationship. Anyway the foyer of the Milngavie Town Hall provided a bright, spacious, and covered area for photographs before the reception.

Iain’s son Jamie started his Best Man speech with a sincere apology. Not being fortunate enough to have know his old man when he was a raucous young lad like himself, he was obviously unable to recount any cringe worthy anecdotes normally associated with a best man’s speech (Groom smiles smugly – Good choice!!!), he did however go on to present a very humorous and entertaining speech. Although drawing attention to bridesmaid Avril Halliday’s resplendent appearance and dazzling charm was completely unnecessary, it was blatantly obvious.

An additional speech was volunteered from the Norwegian contingent, Magnar told us of the close community where they lived in Norway, and in which Patricia played such an intrinsic part, organising parties, functions, etc. One thing she was always perturbed about however was her lack of a sufficiently long tablecloth to accommodate the numbers involved. This was now remedied by the presentation, as an additional gift, of an extraordinary long tablecloth (must have been15ft.), obviously in anticipation of her continuing the custom in Bearsden – Norway’s loss certainly being Scotland’s gain.

All were sitting back comfortably, content in a relaxed atmosphere, having tucked into a sumptuous buffet, greatly augmented by pastries and cheese specialities brought over by the Norwegian guests (big sigh of contentment). But wait a minute!!! Heather Battson has just arrived with a new wave of fervent branch members, and she’s on the stage - priming musicians Luke & Adam Brady getting ready to kick off an evening of unbridled dancing. The couples Summer School connections had brought dancers from all over Scotland, England, and abroad, who, together with the folk dance familiar Norwegians, partied into the small hours. What a fabulous ‘Royal Society’ occasion.

There now follows a short video of the dancing, featuring the stirring music of Luke and Adam Brady.

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