Rev. John Lane Buchanan
Western Isles, 1782

Marriages among the gentlemen are attended with no greater pomp than among the better sort through Great Britain; they are commonly attended by their friends, who make merry on the happy occasion. Contracts are only known to few. But it is not so with the common people. They invite the friends on both sides, to make up the contract of marriage and as all the poor people retain that part of their former importance that entitled them to the honour of gentleman, duine uasal, at least in words, it is supposed that the lady's parents will not make a trifling offer of portion to their intended son-in-law. A pompous promise, if they fail in the performance, adds much to the dignity of the match. Being present at one of these meetings of friends, I observed that the friends of the young man began with a set speech, by informing the parents of the cause and design of their meeting, which was, to pave the way for an alliance with the family to which the woman belonged; and then launched out at considerable length on the great and good qualities of the young man who aspired at the connection. Meanwhile, they remarked, that the friends of the gentleman were such as ought not to be received with indifference. It ought, they proceeded, to be esteemed a very happy turn of Providence to cast such a hopeful youth, and good friends to back him, to solicit their friendship. They hoped, therefore, they would make an offer of such a portion to the young woman, as might do honour to themselves, and worthy of so promising a young man.

The portion formerly was paid in cows, sheep and goats, these being more valuable to them than money; and this old practice is continued in full force. Even if the parents should have none, they must name a number of cows, and a handsome number too, otherwise the young man would think his dignity suffered in the eyes of the neighbours. Twenty cows are among the most moderate portions promised, and many of them considerably above that number. If the young couple had reason to be satisfied with each other during the courtship, the affair is generally settled to the satisfaction of the parties, after which they begin to make merry. They eat, drink, dance, and sing, etc. etc. But as their cows are but few, they must take, at the time of payment, a kind of representative value of it. Accordingly I was told that a year old cow stood for one; three ewes for another; a spinning wheel for a third; two blankets for a fourth; a small chest for a fifth; and so on until the number agreed upon was completed.

On the Saturday evening after the contract is settled, their names must be given to the parish clerk to have the banns published in the church the following day.

This piece of ceremony they are truly averse to, as private marriage is more eligible, and they wish much not to have their names called. They pretend to be ashamed on these occasions: for I believe the true cause is the fear of alarming others of the sweet-hearts, who might step forward to claim a prior right, and perhaps occupancy. I myself have seen the proceedings stopped by the opposite party, while the publication of the banns was going forward.

However, when there is no interruption made, they appear before the clergyman, when the ceremony is regularly performed. After the ceremony is finished, the parson calls to the bridegroom to remember his duty to the bride: and as earnest of obedience to his reverence, the swain gives her a hearty kiss. A very rough scramble follows among the other men, who which will have the good fortune of getting the next kiss from the blushing bride: after which she is led home in triumph, with a large bag-pipe playing some cheerful march, and other tunes composed for the purpose.

One would naturally wonder that women of easy virtue, as we before described, should not find it difficult to meet with helpmates: yet so it that many instances can be produced, when the men strive to get their favourite in spite of what may be alleged against her virtuue.

They make large weddings, and they frequently spend more money than their promised portion on the occasion; though they should want in the after part of life. It is customary for both the bride and bridegroom, just before their marriage ceremony, to untie their shoes, garters, and some oil bandage, to prevent witchcraft, of which they are much afraid on these occasions, and think this an antidote against it. In many parts of Scotland a practice prevails, which not only lessens expense of the weddings, but even makes them so profitable as to enrich young couple. That is what is called penny-weddings, at which the bridegroom prepares a feast, and invites the whole country. Every man, and every women; pays a shilling, which, voracious as they may be, is twice as much as the value of what they eat. The men drink four or five shillings a-piece, so that (to such poor people) a great sum is collected. These penny weddings, and all promiscuous meetings, it is said, contribute much to population.

*Source - Scottish Customs
From the Cradle to the Grave
by Margaret Bennett

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