Paranormal investigators tie the knot in ancient Pagan handfasting ceremony

A couple literally tied the knot with a centuries-old handfasting ceremony in the grounds of Cambusnethan Priory.

George and Karen Gamson were officially wed at a registry office in October but decided on the traditional ceremony in front of family and friends at the Priory ruins.

George said: “We are Pagans so we wanted this to be the real celebration for us. We had friends travelling up from England to be there.

“We all had a fantastic day. We had a bit of rain but thankfully it stopped for the majority of the handfasting ceremony and Gill, our celebrant, was fantastic.”

Cambusnethan Priory (WSH)

A handfasting ceremony has been used in Pagan and Celtic culture for centuries.

In years gone by, couples could not afford wedding bands or rings and thus declared their love in front of others by wrapping various cords around their hands binding them together.

George and Karen, who live in Motherwell, first stumbled upon the Priory five years ago and have been passionate supporters of Friends of Cambusnethan Priory ever since.

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“We are paranormal investigators and had hoped to have a look around the Priory,” explained George.

“We joined the Facebook group and since then we have been trying to raise the profile and the work that is being done there.

“Hopefully we can get more people to love it the way we do.”

Graham Smith, chairman of Friends of Cambusnethan Priory, was delighted George and Karen chose the Priory for their special event.

He added: “The weather tried but still failed to get in the way and there was a good turnout of guests in wellies.

“It was a great day for all concerned, and the guests very generously donated a grand total of £225.84 to us at Friends of Cambusnethan Priory, as we continue with our plan to create a community park with the Priory as the ‘hub’.

“George and Karen have been fantastic supporters since they first attended one of our events held at the Priory, and we are very grateful that they feel so passionately about the building, its atmosphere, and its history.”