Today is Hogmanay, a celebration traditionally more important here than Christmas (which wasn't a public holiday in Scotland until the late 1950s). It marks the last day of a significant year that I did not enjoy very much for a host of reasons, personal and political - but it's a year to be remembered anyway. I'm trying not to make any judgements on exactly where we're going or what sort of path we're on right now as a nation but I think I like what I see on the horizon; more powers devolved to the Scottish Government and the possibility of another hung Westminster parliament in which the SNP could have considerable influence. We live in interesting times.
But yes, what better way to ring in the new year to come by having the
first same-sex marriages in Scottish history? The legislation legalising same-sex marriage came into force at 00:01 this morning so at about that time Susan and Gerrie Douglas-Scott were recognised as the first people to have a full same-sex marriage in Scotland, not just a civil partnership. The ceremony was observed by the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Patrick Harvie, convener of the Scottish Green Party:
Equal marriage is now legalised in Scotland, England and Wales. Northern Ireland is another story, unfortunately, but considering homosexuality was illegal in Scotland until the year 1980 you can see how far we've come. A great day for Scotland and for human rights.