GAY couples will have an extra special reason to celebrate Hogmanay this year.
The first same-sex marriage ceremonies will be taking place from December 31 after MSPs passed legislation earlier this year to allow them to do so.
As well as allowing same-sex couples to wed from that date onwards, those couples already in a civil partnership will be able to convert that to a marriage from December 16 onwards. This can take place from an earlier date as a minimum notice period of 14 clear days is required for marriage ceremonies.
Couples who convert their civil partnership to a marriage in the first year of the legislation will not be charged to do so, the Scottish Government pledged.
Tom French, policy and public affairs coordinator for the Equality Network, said: "We are very pleased that after years of campaigning for equal marriage it is now just weeks away from becoming a reality.
"Today's milestone announcement means that same-sex couples across Scotland will be able to set a date and start planning their weddings. With the first ceremonies set to take place on Hogmanay, Scotland can be proud that we will bring in the new year as a fairer and more equal country."
He said December 31 2014 would be "a date that is remembered for many years to come, and a profoundly emotional day for those couples who celebrate their commitment to each other".
Health Secretary Alex Neil, who announced the Hogmanay date said: "It is wonderful that same-sex couples can now begin to make plans to have their marriage just as any other couple can.
"This historic legislation had overwhelming support across the Scottish Parliament, demonstrating to the world how importantly Scotland views equality."
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