THE first same-sex Scottish couple to get hitched are set to hold their nuptials today after new marriage legislation came into effect at midnight.

Holyrood passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership Act in February, making Scotland the 17th country to welcome gay unions.

Equality Network policy and public affairs co-ordinator Tom French said he was “delighted” with the change in legislation.

“Today is both a day of celebration and a hugely important step forward for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) rights in Scotland, both in terms of equality in the law and the way in which same-sex relationships are viewed in society,” he said.

“In recent years Scotland has become a leading light on LGBTI equality, with one of the most progressive equal marriage laws in the world, helping to create the fair and equal society we all want to see.”

The day will be the first on which same-sex couples can give notice of intention to wed, but many will already be able to convert their existing civil partnerships into marriage.

Scott and David Barclay will be the first happy couple to turn their 2007 partnership into a marriage.

The Glasgow sweethearts, who have been together for 11 years, were set to tie the knot at the city registry office first thing today.

“We are thrilled that within a matter of hours we will finally be able to call ourselves married and that our relationship will, for the first time, be seen as truly equal in the eyes of the law,” the couple said.

“What a way to end such a momentous year for Scotland than to be one step closer to achieving full equality for LGBTI people.”