It is now well reported that: "it is absolutely categorically clear that outdoor spaces with higher degrees of ventilation are less problematic environments for transmission than indoor spaces." - Jonathan Van-Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England.

So, with that in mind we have been busy at Myres planning how to help couples have options of outdoor spaces for their guests. Luckily, we have one of the most beautiful gardens in Scotland, so we are spoilt for choice.

Our ceremonies are already often held outside. Fortunately in Scotland, couples are not restricted in choosing where they can be married, like they are in England. We can do it anywhere! Our outdoor options include getting married under the ancient copper beech tree, the hidden lawn or amongst the roses. We have gorgeous hand-made rustic benches and vintage wooden seats that create a very special setting for the congregation. We also have a silver birch arch that can be decorated beautifully with greenery and a choice of your seasonal flowers. You can add more greenery to the seats or place glass lamps and gypsophila down the aisle.  If you feel you want the added weather ‘insurance’, we can hire a fabulous stretch tent that sits over the hidden lawn, that can be used in a number of creative ways over the day, meaning you can always be outside.

Drinks are normally served amongst the roses, guests can wander around the Vatican garden, stand around the formal pond, drinks in hand and breathe in the heady scent of the rose beds. We also have our stunning pop ups which can act as a welcome cover if it gets damp.

Our special barnquee’s sides can roll up allowing fresh air before and during the meal. We have super-sized space heaters so there is never any danger of your guests feeling chilled. You are always just a step away from the outside and often it feels as though the outside is inside. There are spectacular larch tree trunks holding up the canvas and the shadows of the beech trees behind, dance through the canvas like a Japanese painting.

Our exit and entry points are all very simple and can be used without handling any door knobs!

So, when we hear Dr Chris Smith, clinical lecturer in virology at the University of Cambridge, telling the BBC the chances of Covid-19 transmission outside were “vanishingly small” because “the amount of dilution from fresh air is so high”, we realised that al fresco weddings are where it’s at!

We have a Covid 19 Secure Risk Assessment in place, this was written in March this year. This doesn't mean we are complacent, far from it! Your safety and that of your guests remains paramount.