On Saturday 22nd March Robert proposed to me on bended knee and I accepted without hesitation. The surprise (and it was) was a weekend away staying at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons in Oxfordshire. It was a glorious weekend, the weather, food, and wine were all first class and after dinner, back in our room full of candles and flowers, I said Yes!

We have decided that because we come from different Counties (Kent and Essex), and because we fancied something wildly different, our wedding vows will be proclaimed in Scotland (abroad was an option, but we wanted our closest family and friends to share our special day).

We spent a week last New Year on the West Coast and a few days in Edinburgh and had a fabulous time. After careful deliberations we decided upon a venue, Dundas Castle, which is situated approximately 8 miles east from Edinburgh. The castle was built in 1818 and is currently the home of Sir Jack Stewart-Clark and Lady Lydia, his wife. You can take a look at the website on www.dundascastle.co.uk.

So on Saturday 3rd January 2003 we hereby invite you to join us from 1:45 p.m. in the Castle Keep for the exchange of vows and rings. We will then move to the main castle building to continue the celebrations.

Unfortunately, due to the restricted numbers at Dundas Castle we are unable to extend our invitation to children. We hope that this will not affect your decision to join us, but understand the problems associated with arranging childcare, particularly over a weekend so near to Christmas & New Year.

We have included a list of B&Bs/Hotels (Robert and I will be staying at the Travel Inn in South Queensferry on the 1st & 2nd of January) and also point you to the Scottish Tourist Board website www.visitscotland.com for alternative accommodation. The castle has limited room capacity, however if anyone would like to stay in the castle itself please let either Robert or myself know. We have discounted the rooms and can offer them for £125 for the night on a first come first served basis.

We have also enclosed a list of numbers for companies flying to Edinburgh from London Airports. Obviously the earlier flights are booked the cheaper they are. Robert and I will be travelling up by car on 30th December and will be celebrating Hogmanay in Scotland returning on Sunday 4th January.

We would like to take the opportunity of meeting up with as many people as possible the evening before the wedding and will be booking a table at a restaurant in Edinburgh. If you would like to come along, please let either Robert (07958 632 822), or myself (07974 668 549) know by the end of October.

We hope that you will be able to share our special day with us and look forward to seeing you there.

Lots of Love,

Robert and Karen