Latest News

Have you visited Gretna Green lately? Noticed anything new....especially next to our Courtship Maze? We've had a very exciting month here welcoming two new sculptures including the world's Biggest Thistle and our very own wall of LOVE!

Fact: It's only 79 days until Christmas! Or 12 Fridays if you'd prefer to know how many weeks......yes you've read that right!

We've been busy putting on our thinking caps on ... If you're anything like us, you're wondering whether it's too early to start looking for fabulous gifts from Scotland which would be perfect for Christmas!

If you're anything like us, you eagerly pop into shops and boutiques trying to find presents that are unique! You'd LOVE to give something that's unique - lucky for you that's exactly what the shops here at Gretna Green have piled high! We love these for wee stocking stuffers or even decorations for your own home...

We had a visit from a gentleman (Derek) from Worcester last week who was here to attend a wedding of a relation in Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop. He also told us a wee story, full of Gretna Green magic...

Have you been to Gretna Green lately? Or been watching our Facebook page? You may have notice a wee exciting development take place....

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....

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!

Turn to any news source this week and you'll most likely have spotted at least one post or story mentioning the removal of lovelocks from the famous Ponts des Arts in Paris. But fear not! Whilst the bridge famous for lovelocks in Paris, the Pont des Arts, may be lovelock free, there are still other places to honour love....including right here in Gretna Green!

How exciting! We had a well-known historian visit us last week....

Well there's another bank holiday just around the corner....and then summer holidays not long after that! We're very excited for summer....and we hope to see many of you coming to visit us this year!

Most people have heard of Gretna Green....but what exactly is there to do?

We've gone for a wee wander around the site and put together a shortlist of the best of Gretna Green!

Happy work-versary to one of our very special wedding planners Vicky! We sat down with Vicky recently to chat about how her first year with us at Gretna Green has gone! ....

Sun's out, breeze just about gone....the perfect day for a picnic! Picnic baskets packed and we're ready to go....but wait! We forgot the tartan picnic blanket ....

How time flies! Hard to believe the launch of Afternoon Tea at Smiths was a year and a half ago! It's been a huge hit...and is currently served everyday from 2pm - 4.30 pm! From informal meetings to get-togethers, friends catching up to weddings, baby showers, retirements and more, our Afternoon tea of freshly baked cakes, delicious homemade scones, delightful finger sandwiches and a choice or tea or coffee provides the perfect accompaniment!

St Patrick's Day is just around the corner with many a tradition ready to be upheld! Got us thinking about lucky charms associated with weddings today to ensure good luck - turns out there's quite the list of customs and traditions believed to bring good luck to the newlyweds which have become favourites to give as lucky wedding gifts...