Gretna Green

Its main claim to fame is the Old Blacksmith's Shop where many runaway marriages were performed. These began in 1753 when an Act of Parliament was passed in England which stated that if both parties to a marriage were not at least 21 years old, then consent to the marriage had to be given by the parents. This Act did not apply in Scotland where it was, and still is, possible to get married when 16 years old, with or without parental consent.

This led to many "elopers" fleeing England and making for the first Scottish village they came to - Gretna Green. The blacksmith's shop, built around 1712, became the focal point for the marriage trade. It was opened to the public as a visitor attraction as early as 1887.