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Exclusive pictures of MSP Kate Forbes as she marries Ali MacLennan at a private church service in Dingwall followed by a celebration at a venue in her hometown


By Scott Maclennan

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The couple coming out of the church. Picture: James Mackenzie
The couple coming out of the church. Picture: James Mackenzie

Dingwall MSP and Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has tied the knot with her fiancé, local man Alasdair (Ali) MacLennan at a church service in the town.

Kate Forbes arriving at the Dingwall and Strathpeffer Free Church. Picture: James Mackenzie
Kate Forbes arriving at the Dingwall and Strathpeffer Free Church. Picture: James Mackenzie

Family and friends were present at the ceremony earlier today which was live streamed on the internet due to restrictions on numbers attending the wedding.

Groom Ali Maclennan (right) was the first to arrive at the church. Picture: James Mackenzie
Groom Ali Maclennan (right) was the first to arrive at the church. Picture: James Mackenzie

The Ross-shire Journal was granted exclusive access to the wedding celebration after the service at the Dingwall and Strathpeffer Free Church.

Kate Forbes's sister looking after the flower girl. Picture: James Mackenzie
Kate Forbes's sister looking after the flower girl. Picture: James Mackenzie

News of the couple's engagement first emerged at the end of January with a mysterious post on social media of the engagement ring but the groom’s name was withheld, sparking much speculation.

The wedding party. Picture: James Mackenzie
The wedding party. Picture: James Mackenzie

The next month the happy couple made a more public announcement after hundreds of people from across the political spectrum wished them well.

Ali Maclennan and Kate Forbes. Picture: James Mackenzie
Ali Maclennan and Kate Forbes. Picture: James Mackenzie

Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser even joked in Holyrood that it was good to see the leading SNP MSP “recognising the benefits of being in a union.”

Ali Maclennan and Kate Forbes after the ceremony at Ross County Football Club.Picture: James Mackenzie
Ali Maclennan and Kate Forbes after the ceremony at Ross County Football Club.Picture: James Mackenzie

It is not yet known if the MSP will retain her maiden name but she said: “We are delighted to get married, with some friends and family. Many watched online instead of joining us in person, because of Covid-19 restrictions.

The bridge and groom managed time for a kickabout. Picture: James Mackenzie
The bridge and groom managed time for a kickabout. Picture: James Mackenzie

“After a difficult 18 months for everybody, our wedding day has been full of joy. We hope other couples enjoy the same happy day, even with all the worries and frustrations of planning a wedding around restrictions.”

Locals turned out for the special event. Picture: James Mackenzie
Locals turned out for the special event. Picture: James Mackenzie

Related story – Dingwall-based Highland MSP Kate Forbes announces engagement on social media


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