If you've visited Smiths at Gretna Green recently, you may have noticed a new face ready to welcome you....

We'd like to introduce Duncan, our new Guest Relations Manager who joined our team in July! It's been a busy first month for Duncan....we caught up with him for a few minutes to see how his first month at Smiths Hotel has gone and what he's most looking forward to over the next wee while....

In its heyday, the Blacksmiths Shop was at the centre of village life. The village blacksmith was always at work making horseshoes, fixing carriages and farm equipment ... and was one of the most respected figures within the village. Following changes in 1754 which increased the restrictions facing young couples who wished to marry, the differences in law led to a flow of young lovers desperate to marry running away over the border...stopping in the first village they came to (most famously our wee village of Gretna Green). As a highly respected member of the community, the Blacksmith was frequently sought by these couples....and soon the 'anvil priest' arose.

Tying the knot? Congratulations! We've all heard the phrase 'tying the knot'..... but where has the phrase come from? For that we need to take a wee trip into the history books....

It has long been a debate often over a tumbler of this golden sprit ... is it 'whisky' or 'whiskey'?! For some, the debate is confusing.....it's the same thing isn't it? Well....not quite.

Throughout the ages, lovers have looked for ways to prove to the world that theirs is true love capable of lasting for eternity. From poetry to romantic serenades, from inscribing hearts on school desks to carving initials on a tree, different traditions have cropped up as couples looked for a way to show their love and commitment! One such tradition can now be found in lovelocks... padlocks which sweethearts lock to a bridge, fence, gate, or similar public fixture to symbolize their love. Traditionally the sweethearts' names or initials have been written or engraved on the padlock and the key thrown away as the lock is attached symbolising unbreakable love.

Getting married over the Anvil in our Famous Blacksmiths Shop? Love the romance and mystery of elopements and a Gretna Green wedding?

Let us tell you a wee tale of the traditions of Gretna Green....

We're well and truly into wedding season this year! Just like you, we have been busy looking through many a site, shop and Pinterest board to come up with that PERFECT wedding gift...

Warning... Only read on if you're a TRUE ROMANTIC at heart... :) Amanda contacted us recently after hearing about the removal of the lovelocks from the Ponts des Arts in Paris, concerned that her lovelock at Gretna Green might also have gone...

Luckily we were able to reassure her... She sent us this lovely story! Fabulous to hear from the VERY first couple to place a lovelock on our bridge, it's such a great story!

We're always looking to keep the options for delicious, homemade food here at Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop fresh and exciting....and just in time for summer, we've added Quorn to the menu at our Blacksmiths Restaurant!

Holding your wedding with us here at Smiths Hotel or Gretna Green Famous Blacksmith Shop? India, our Wedding Concierge, is ready to meet you and help make sure your Big Day goes off without a hitch!