Richard Rennison Richard Rennison Richard Rennison (29 October 1889 – 5 August 1969) was the last "anvil priest" at Gretna Green, Scotland. Between 1926 and 1940, he performed "irregular marriages" of couples over the anvil at the Old Blacksmith Shop, where the couple proclaimed that they were single and wanted to get married in front of witnesses. As "anvil priest", Rennison generally requested a fee of £1, but was known to earn up to £20 for a ceremony (approximately £3,030 in 2012). The popularity of the marriages grew whilst he was performing them, to the point that a special committee was formed
Gretna Margaret Weste Gretna Margaret Weste Gretna Margaret Weste (September 5, 1917 – 2006) was a leading scientist noted for her work in plant pathology and mycology, specifically with "Phytophthora cinnamomi." Gretna Margaret Weste was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland in 1917, to Australian parents, arriving in Australia aged two years. Her schooling was completed through scholarships, at Methodist Ladies' College, Melbourne and later the University of Melbourne, attaining a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in 1938 and Master of Science (MSc) in 1939. She was awarded a PhD in 1969 and a University of Melbourne Doctor of Science (DSc) in 1984 for her published