Markle (that’s the village) gets set to sparkle
DISCREETLY tucked away between idyllic hedgerows and tree-lined avenues, it barely even registers as a blip on a satnav or map.
But the tiny village of Markle, in East Lothian, is gearing up to celebrate in style.
More than half of the population of 100 are expected to turn out for the celebrations in the centre of a former steading, which now has 25 houses.
Bunting, balloons, flags and red, white and blue paper chains will decorate the communal garden area, with a barbecue planned. Even the village sign has been decorated with bunting and tartan ribbon.
The village was originally
‘Raise a glass to them’
known as Merkill, which loosely translates as miracle.
Party organiser Lorna Field, 63, has lived there with her husband Garry for more than 20 years.
She said: ‘With the connection to Meghan Markle and us being quite a social community, why not celebrate?
‘Harry has had a difficult time in his life and I think probably Meghan has had some issues, too, but it’s nice to see them together and they are a nice young couple.
‘We just want to be part of the day and raise a glass to them and to wish ourselves well, too.’
Mrs Field added: ‘There’s a lot of communal areas here and we have a residents’ association and an annual meeting to check how we’re all doing.
‘We invest in our environment and look after it, and people make an effort to look after each other.
‘There’s going to be a minimum of 50 people coming along, but some of those families have invited friends. We’ll accommodate them all.’
Chairman of the residents’ association Neil Morland, 42, said: ‘It’s a lovely community to live in, the people are very good with each other and very accommodating with one another.
‘We feel very lucky because we’re next to the coast, we’re close to Edinburgh but we’re also in the middle of this beautiful countryside.
‘We’ll set up in the morning and there will be a gazebo brought out by one of the neighbours.
‘A number of others will be bringing out their barbecues and then a couple of others are preparing an array of food.’
Another resident who wished not to be named said: ‘Who knows, maybe Meghan and Harry will visit for their honeymoon? But then again, maybe not.’