Fairytale romance over as town drinks a toast to the bridesmaids

WITH 12,500 tickets reportedly sold to fans of Scottish Cup finalists Gretna, town population approximately 2,700, there was something of an eerie atmosphere at 3pm, kick-off time, a funereal atmosphere, perhaps a portent of things to come.

But when it comes to what Gretna is most famous for - weddings - it was business as usual, 27 in all on cup final day, although only one couple, 28-year-old Jon Wallace and his bride Hayley Mai, 26, were local.

"We have been planning this since late last year, long before Gretna FC's epic cup run," said Jon, adding: "The 3.45pm slot we had at Gretna Registry Office worked out really well as I could watch most of the first-half with my brother Tim, the best man, and we were then able to go to the reception and watch the end of the game."

The couple met at the town's Asda superstore where they both work. The new Mrs Wallace said: "I never used to be a football supporter, but the team has caught everyone's imagination and I was more nervous about the cup final than I was about the wedding."

Senior Registrar Jane Chandler said: "It's business as usual, a busy Saturday with 27 marriages, but it is fantastic that Gretna is now on the map for other reasons. We have more than 5,000 couples each year tying the knot in Gretna."

Wilson's Bookmakers, just opposite the Registry Office, was strangely deserted for a Saturday afternoon, and even co-owner Graeme Wilson was 60-miles north at Hampden, leaving his business partner and sister Lorna to mind the shop.

"It's been a strange day, very busy early on with throngs of people coming in to put their best on before getting on board the coaches for Glasgow, and the horses and dogs have taken a bit of a back seat," she said.

Biggest bet was £250 on Gretna to win at 13/2, but Lorna said: "We have had people we normally only see in here on Grand National and Derby days, mostly putting on a few quid, and Kenny Deucher to score the first goal was very popular at 9/1, although sadly that bet on the doctor did not pay out." Asked for a price on Gretna winning the UEFA Cup, Lorna said: "There are no official odds yet until the draw is known, but we are looking at between 500 and 1,000-1."

One of the strangest sights of the season was a party of two-dozen Celtic and Rangers fans, united in their support for Gretna, enjoying proceedings as guests of the Gretna FC Supporters Club adjacent to a ghostly Raydale Park. "It's a side of Old Firm rivalries that people never hear of," said the trip organiser, Helen McCann. "We have been made so welcome here and have been invited to stay for the celebration party tonight."

Win, lose or draw, Gretna FC Supporters' Club will be party central this weekend, with 300 last night and another 300, including the youngsters, today. Assistant Steward Nobby Higson said: "It's going to be one hell of a weekend and we have ordered record amounts of beer, even some Deuchers IPA in recognition of the great man, although the members are not really into Champagne."

Despite rumours of a rise in the normally law-abiding Gretna's crime rate spiralling with so many empty houses, the officer-in-charge at Gretna Police Station said: "It's been a fairly routine day, traffic a bit lighter than normal, but Gretna does not have a big crime problem. Today is no different and we'll be looking over the weekend's celebrations with a light touch."

The annual Annan Walking Festival was, according to its organiser Alan Thomson, "decimated" by Scottish Cup fever with less than half the usual 200-plus hikers taking part. "Mind you," added Thomson, "if I had not been organising this, I'd have been at Hampden myself, and I'm sure the absent walkers, most of whom have never been to a football match in their lives, will return to the fold next year."

Meanwhile, more than 5,000 miles west in Gretna, Nebraska, USA, a township with 2,339 citizens and a similar size as its Scottish namesake, Mayor Tim Gilligan said: "We have heard of this soccer team and it's a wonderful story.

"We are more accustomed to the romance of Gretna Green and the runaway weddings, but this is romantic in a different way. We'll be rooting for them and watching out for the result."

Back in Gretna UK, two local boys, Drew Brydon and Billy Archibald, were kicking a ball around in their school playing field as the final whistle approached. "We're no' bothered," said Billy, Drew adding: "We'd rather be playing than watching and we both support Manchester United."

But they were a bit more involved in The Crossways Inn at the heart of the town, where they had a bigger crowd than Raydale Park would have seen until this year. The atmosphere deflated like a balloon when the Gretna dream finally died. "It was a great game and someone had to lose, but both teams are the winners," said regular Jimmy Nisbit, tears streaming down his face.

Taken from the Scotsman