There was much to celebrate at Kinloch Rannoch Village Hall when a cèilidh to mark the end of the Rannoch Games became the chosen venue for a marriage proposal.
With no Highland Games in Rannoch the past two summers there was already a spring in everybody’s step when the dance went ahead last Saturday.
Dave Martin (49) and Lucy Earnshaw (35) from Huddersfield were holidaying in an apartment they’ve visited for Games week every year since 2016.
And their welcome return to Perthshire had a surprise in store, which the band helped make a reality for Dave.
Ali Penman and his wife Aurelia help out with the cèilidh after the Games. It was to be a big deal this year as it would blow the cobwebs away after two years of the pandemic keeping people away.
Dave asked Ali and Aurelia to fix a moment when he could surprise Lucy and pull out a ring.
The community event was in full swing with 150 people in to dance away the night. The local cèilidh band Tarmachan were getting everyone to take their partners and have a burl and the bar was busy.
Ali briefed them there was to be a special moment in the break.
Lucy was getting a drink in the smaller room of the hall when Aurelia insisted she come through because Ali had an important announcement.
“I thought it was about how great it was to have the Rannoch Games again, I had no idea what was about to happen,” said Lucy.
Suddenly Dave was inviting her to come into the space below the band. The hall was packed as Dave got down on one knee.
Lucy grinned and didn’t hesitate in saying yes.
“We haven’t set a date yet, but it felt so right, Dave’s timing was perfect,” Lucy told the PA.
“I had a few drinks before to get my courage up,” admitted Dave. “Then the whole community was joyous, wishing us well and we had quite a few drinks more after I proposed to Lucy.
“I really want to thank everybody. We crashed your cèilidh night.
“There is such a lovely feeling in the village, we love coming to Perthshire, Kinloch Rannoch is the most romantic place, you all made it so wonderful.”
Ali shared the good news on the Kinloch Rannoch Village Hall Facebook page: “Well we came back with a bang! After almost two years, we held our first big community event for ages with the Rannoch Highland Gathering Cèilidh Dance.
“Over 150 people danced the night away to the amazing local band Tarmachan. With a bar and fantastic dancing everyone had a brilliant time. We even had a proposal!
“Congratulations to Dave and Lucy on getting engaged. She said YES!”
Dave and Lucy have been together for nine years and work at the same company.
“She’s just special,” said facilities manager Dave. “We totally adore each other,” said company accountant Lucy.
