The latest chapter in a US space couple’s love affair with Glamis Castle was penned on a rare event in the landmark’s history yesterday.
In glorious Angus sunshine, space shuttle veteran Jim Reilly and his wife Allison returned to the ancient setting where love blossomed seven years ago, leading to the privilege of being wed in the chapel of the Strathmore family seat in April 2010.
Such an honour has been rarely afforded to those outside the family, so the newest member of the Reilly dynasty enjoyed a special start to his young life when the chapel was the setting for the christening of the couple’s son, Jacob Luke.
The baby’s traditional christening gown was also enhanced by a special touch when he was draped in a Saltire that his dad had taken into space aboard the shuttle Atlantis in 2001.
Tuesday’s special service was conducted by the castle’s former chaplain, Canon Dendle French, who came out of retirement to officiate at the baptism having wed Jim and Allison.
The christening ceremony was arranged by Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, who had unwittingly acted as a matchmaker when the couple were at Glamis in 2007.
Astronaut Jim, 60, who completed five space walks during three shuttle missions, knew former Nasa education director Allison from their time in Houston but had not really spoken to her until their paths crossed on separate visits to Scotland.
“During my tour of the castle in 2007, Mary Countess asked me if I would like to join her at the table with my wife, and pointed to Allison,” he said.
“We returned to the States and began dating, but everything began here at Glamis.”
“The Dowager Countess has been truly wonderful and when we sent her a note to let her know that Jacob had been born, she offered the chapel for his christening.
“It is a huge honour and we still can’t quite get over it that we are here today,” added Jim after the couple’s journey from their home in Colorado Springs.
The delighted Dowager Countess said: “It’s a most amazing story. They fell in love at Glamis and it is so wonderful to have them back here for this special, happy event.”
Long-time friends at the ceremony included former Nasa security advisor John Smith from Kirriemuir, and recently retired Borders sheriff Kevin Drummond, who brought with him the Saltire from the STS 104 mission.
Photo by www.anguspictures.com