One of the first couples in Britain to have a gay wedding' will remember their ceremony of union today.

John Maguire and Laurence Scott-Mackay were the first couple to become civil partners in Scotland after 14 years together.

Their ceremony was held in Edinburgh, with a blessing at Edinburgh Castle by Bishop Richard Holloway.

Mr Maguire, 37, of Bathgate, and Mr Scott-Mackay, 39, of Dornoch in Sutherland, were living in the US at the time, but have now moved to Brighton.

Mr Maguire said that becoming civil partners had made administrative tasks much easier.

He said: "When we moved back here, we returned as a couple and the biggest change has been the administrative benefits - it makes a huge difference.

"There is also the other aspect that we stood in front of all the people who loved us and were united.

"It was great to be recognised by our government and our country. It just shows the enormous change that has come about in Scotland - 25 years ago it was illegal to be gay."

The couple plan to hold a special event in Brighton to mark their first "wedding" anniversary.

Mr Maguire added: "It will be marked, but it won't be anything too grand. We have booked a restaurant and I will be doing the flowers."