Scottish newlyweds name themselves after hotel where they got engaged

A couple who got engaged at a Highland beauty spot have taken the name of the hotel where the proposal took place.

Laura and Susan Garrison tied the knot on May 13, after getting engaged at The Garrison Hotel in Fort William in 2022. The couple travelled north with their Cocker Spaniel, Toffey, for a weekend away.

Susan, 42, asked the special question on January 22. When the wedding came around, the lovebirds decided the hotel was so special to them that it would be their new surname.

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Laura, 43, who works for the NHS , said the name ‘Garrison’ fell right into place for them both.

She told the Record : “When we got engaged, we felt that we wanted a completely new start.

“That might sound daft seeing as we have been together for six-and-a-half years but we wanted to start as we mean to go on and be completely ourselves.

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“When we were choosing a surname, we immediately thought of The Garrison. It means soldiers protecting a fortress – it’s about protection and defending and we thought it was lovely.

“The name fell right into place for us. We told our friends and family we were changing our surnames but nobody knew what we were changing it to until the day of our wedding.

“We are now very proud to be the Garrisons. We will carry this name with pride forever and a day.”

The Garrisons, who got married at the Lodge on Loch Lomond, have since been invited back to the hotel after bosses heard about the couple’s story.

Laura continued: “It’s a really special place for us, we hold such fond memories there.

“Susan is a police officer. She chose The Garrison to propose because it used to be an old police station.

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“When we got engaged, we had Toffey with us and the staff were absolutely brilliant with her. She has since passed away, so we like to go back because it reminds us of her too.

“Every time we go, we feel very welcome and we are glad to go back, they are lovely hosts.”

A spokesperson for The Garrison Hotel said: “All of the staff at the hotel are honoured to be part of this special love story. We have invited Mrs and Mrs Garrison for a complimentary stay with us.

“We wish them a lifetime of happiness.”