FAQs

Question

So when's the wedding?

Answer

25th of June, 2022. We have a lot of "wedmin" to do, Pinterest boards to make, lists to treasure (Kathleen) or avoid (Alisdair)...

Question

How do we keep abreast of developments?

Answer

Don't worry; we'll keep you informed. We'd like to send important information by email about transport, final arrangements, and any changes of plan. So please make sure we have your email address and let us know if it changes! This will remain the main place for updates and additional info.

Question

How are you handling Covid-19?

Answer

We're keeping an eye on things because the health and wellbeing of all of our guests and the staff are paramount. When we chose our wedding date, we had the sincere hope that the pandemic might be over by 2022. It now looks like we may need to take this into account, sadly. We aren't anticipating further travel restrictions, but we will keep an eye on how things develop when we plan our day to make it as safe as we can. We hope that we will be able to freely party with you on the day, but please be prepared to comply with whatever safety rules may be required nearer the time. At present, in Scotland there are no restrictions on the size of wedding celebrations if attendees are vaccinated. As of January, masks are required during indoor services, and we'll make sure we let everyone know what to expect in the month leading up to the event. In the meantime, please look after yourselves, wear a mask, get vaccinated, and stay safe!

Question

Do you have a wedding hashtag?

Answer

Why, what an insightful question! We do. It's #AliKatWedding - Kathleen uses Instagram, Alisdair uses Twitter, and we both use Facebook, so if you tag any wedding-related posts or pics we would be so excited to see!

Question

What do we call you when you're married?

Answer

Kathleen and Alisdair! Alisdair and Kathleen! No one is changing their name legally, despite Kathleen's suggestion that they both change their surname to Burt-McLeod, along with Scout. We will remain Burt and McLeod, the Burt-McLeods.

Question

Aren't you just dying to fill your house with "Mr and Mrs" things?

Answer

This is a controversial point. Alisdair is already a Mr and Kathleen will remain a Dr so it doesn't feel like "Mr & Mrs" reflects our forthcoming transition. Kathleen has much to say on patriarchal hegemony in the wedding industry and will be happy to share if you prompt her. Alisdair would prefer that you didn't, as he has already heard all of it.

Question

Who's the cutest?

Answer

That's easy. It's the dog.

Question

Will you be having, like, a totally romantic outdoor ceremony?

Answer

We live in Scotland.

Question

What can we do in the area around the wedding?

Answer

We've put together some suggestions of our favourite things to do (see the "things to do" page, above - it's intuitive, this). We're suggesting that those travelling some distance stay in Dundee, near the waterfront, and those who have been away for several years may be surprised by how much it has changed!

Question

Where are you registered for gifts?

Answer

We've got a list if you want to give us an actual gift for the house (click the "registry" tab above). However, our greatest gift would be the presence of our favourite people, many of whom would be coming a long way to be there. Please don't think an invitation comes with any obligation or an expectation that you have to buy us something from the registry!

Question

There's food, right?

Answer

Yes! A three-course meal (we'll get you to make your choices when you RSVP) and an evening buffet to bolster your energies partway through the boogie stage. The meal will be served mid-afternoon, so you may want to have a late brunch or a snack before setting off, especially if you have kids.

Question

Will you accommodate dietary requirements?

Answer

Absolutely! It will be vegan-friendly, vegetarian-friendly, coeliac-friendly... if you have any ethical, religious or medical requirement, we will make sure you are catered for.

Question

Does the venue have disabled access?

Answer

For a start, we need to make sure the bride can get in. Without her stick, probably. In a big dress. And maybe wildly impractical shoes. This is a big requirement for us, and we endeavoured to make sure that we chose a venue that accommodates all the needs of our guests. We will also provide as much info here as we can: The pavilion at Fingask Castle has almost level access on one side, and a shallow step up on the other. The paths between the castle and pavilion are clear and level, but they do have a top coating that is slightly sandy and gravelly. There is level access to the paved Fountain Courtyard for the drinks reception, though there are two stone steps into the castle itself so access to the interior may be difficult. Access to the castle will not be necessary for participation, however. There is an accessible bathroom. The main drop-off is at the bottom of a substantial stone staircase, so anyone who needs it can be dropped near the castle with level access to the pavilion.

Question

Will there be a cash bar?

Answer

Fingask Castle handles all the drinks arrangements, and there will be a cash bar at the wedding. However, we'll be providing all the soft drinks and wine during the post-ceremony reception up at the castle, and during the meal. Slainte!

Question

Can I bring a plus-one?

Answer

There are some constraints due to venue requirements, but we want to make sure everyone feels comfortable. We know some of you have many friends and family coming but others will know fewer people. We have tried to check names of significant others to accommodate partners and families, and where we don't have names but are able to offer a plus-one you will find your invitation addressed to you "and guest" on the envelope!

Question

Are you having a child-friendly wedding?

Answer

Well, do you have friendly children? We want to include our friends and family of all ages, as well as letting grown-ups have some fun times. We are in the process of finalising childcare arrangements for the "boring" part of the day, when the speeches are happening - but children aren't expected to disappear if they'd prefer to stay! As 7-year-olds we would probably have wanted to stay with the grown-ups. Once we have RSVPs we will get in touch with parents to check ages and preferences as far as they can be predicted, but rest assured that whatever makes our junior guests most comfortable on the day will be fine.

Question

If we stay in Dundee, how do we get to Fingask?

Answer

There will be a bus to Fingask Castle on the day from the bus parking outside the Sleeperz Hotel listed on our "Travel" page, returning at the end of the night. Check back for details of departure time. You don't have to be staying anywhere specific to take the bus, just let us know so we have enough room for everyone. Please let us know if you wish to take the bus and we will make sure to save you a seat!

Question

Will there be a dress code?

Answer

Wear clothes? Please note that stiletto heels are not allowed in the castle, though with grass and some uneven paving around we wouldn't recommend them, anyway. Kilts are encouraged, by Kathleen, who is determined to get Alisdair into one. Alisdair is not sure anyone wants to see his knees. When we first met, everyone kept asking when we were getting married. We told everyone that we'd get married when everyone had their unicorn onesies, so you might want to have one handy.

Question

Seriously?

Answer

Seriously.

Question

I wanna hire a kilt!

Answer

That's not a question, but we can help. McCalls Highlandwear (https://www.mccalls.co.uk) is where the wedding party kilt hire is booked. You can tell them that it is this wedding (McLeod, 25 June) and they will advise. Our store is the Dundee one, at 8 Whitehall Street, Dundee DD1 4AF. You can contact them directly on +44 (0)1382 224 449 or dundee@mccalls.co.uk and they will arrange a virtual appointment for measuring if needed. This shop is a few minutes on foot from the listed hotels so is the most convenient local option - but you can also arrange to hire from your local shop elsewhere in Scotland.

Question

We have more questions! What do we do?

Answer

Um, sit tight and wait until we have answers? We have lots of decisions to make. But if you need to get in touch at any point during the process, you can email us on BurtMcLeodWedding@gmail.com