A COUPLE nearly had to put their wedding on ice because of the wintry weather until an Aviemore hotel and Highland Council came to their rescue.
David Young (37) and and his wife-to-be, Lucy Thompson (29), from Eyemouth in the Scottish Borders, had been due to tie the knot in Inverness on Friday afternoon.
But their plans were thrown into chaos when, in common with rail services throughout the North of the country, the train they were to catch from Aviemore to the Highand capital fell victim to the freezing weather.
As time was fast running out for the couple to get to their ceremony at Inverness Archive and Registration Centre for 3.30pm, Highland Council put their own wheels in motion.
They arranged for Aviemore registrar Janette MacKenzie to conduct the ceremony, while the village's Cairngorm Hotel provided a venue for them free of charge, and even two witnesses - manager Kevin Roach and receptionist Rhona McClure.
New bride Lucy said: "What could easily have become a disaster turned into a wedding that was a million times better than we could ever have imagined!"
The couple, who have been together since 1997, and have two daughters - Ruby-May (6) and Lois (3) - had arranged a hideaway Highland wedding after falling in love with the area.
It was also a double celebration designed to dovetail with Lucy's 30th birthday yesterday (Tuesday).
But their plans started to come unstuck as the sub-zero conditions continued to take their toll in the strath.
David, a plasterer, confessed: "We were in a bit of a panic and going to get the bus up to Inverness, but time was running out fast.
"We were in Cafe Mambo, waiting to get a bus at 1.30pm, when we got a telephone call from the registrar in Inverness, saying that they had arranged for Janette to marry us at the Cairngorm Hotel.
"We were totally overwhelmed; I passed the telephone to Lucy, and she was in tears with happiness."
David continued: "It's sod's law; the worst winter in 20 years, and we plan our wedding right in the middle of it!
"But everything turned out great in the end, and we have certainly had a day to remember."
Close friends David and Julie Winbram were the only ones in on their plans.
They were meant to be the witnesses, but were left stranded at home in Eyemouth because of the weather.
David said: "We were going to have to pick up two strangers from the streets of Inverness to fulfil the role, but thankfully the Cairngorm Hotel came to our rescue."
The couple, who got engaged five years ago, arrived on Thursday for their stay at the High Range in Aviemore.
Lucy said: "We nearly decided to call the whole thing off when we got to Aviemore railway station and discovered that all rail services had been cancelled.
"To say we are overwhelmed is an understatement. We could not believe the generosity of the people who helped us.
"The ceremony itself was lovely, and we even had some pictures taken out in the snow. We can't thank everyone enough."
Lucy, who hails originally from Stevenage, added: "Our family are completely gobsmacked, but very happy for us.
"We have been together a long time, and we always said this would be the way we would do it, although obviously we could have done without the stress!"
Highland Council's chief registrar, Diane Minty, said: "We are delighted that we were able to make alternative plans at short notice so that David and Lucy were able to get married.
"I am sure they will never forget their special day, and we wish them all the very best for their future together."
Mr Roach said: "We were delighted to be able to help such a lovely couple on their big day."
