Moray teacher swaps virus-hit wedding for classroom

Today (3 April) should have been a North Scottish teacher’s big wedding day.

But thanks to the COVID-19 lockdown, instead of walking down the aisle she’s spending the day volunteering at a keyworker childcare hub and enjoyed a makeshift celebration with her pupils.

Emma Petrie and her fiancé, Scott Andrews, had to postpone their wedding due to the coronavirus outbreak. The ceremony, reception venue, guest list and honeymoon all had to be cancelled.

Although heartbroken, once the decision had been made Emma, 29, decided to put her newly-freed up time to good use by volunteering to work at one of the eight childcare hubs established throughout Moray.

Emma is usually a P3 teacher at Greenwards Primary School in Elgin, Moray, and she is there now providing childcare for keyworkers. But her colleagues and pupils didn’t want to let the big day go unmarked and so are holding a special isolation celebration on her planned wedding day so Emma doesn’t miss out on a party.

Emma said: “Postponing the wedding was a little disappointing but in the grand scheme of what's going on right now there's no point dwelling on it. It's completely outwith anyone's control, but I think we'll all be ready to party come October!”

The young pupils at the hub bought flowers and made a daisy-chain headband for the young teacher.

Head teacher at Greenwards, Sarah Grant, said: “We’re grateful to Emma and all education staff who have given up their holidays and time to assist at the hubs.

“All at Moray Council wish Emma and Scott the very best when the even bigger day comes round in October.”