As the historic Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act came into law at midnight last night, the first Scottish same-sex couple were married.

The couple – based in Melbourne, Australia – converted their civil partnership at 12.01am British time at the British Consulate in Melbourne. Douglas Pretsell, originally from Edinburgh, and his partner Peter Gloster, who is Australian, married at 11.01am Australian time on December 16.

The couple, both 47, have been together for seven years after meeting in Munich in 2008 and entered into a civil partnership in 2010.The ceremony was low-key, with just a few family members and friends in attendance to witness their momentousday, while the couple tied the knot in traditional Scottish kilts. “There were no tear-jerking speeches, no full choir and no extravagant wedding cake as Douglas Pretsell and Peter Gloster signed the register to convert their civil partnership into a marriage,” reported EdinburghNews.

From today, gay couples can give notice of their intention to marry  – though the country requires a 15-day notice period on all weddings, therefore, the first same-sex weddings will not take place until December 31. This does not apply to those already in a civil partnership, who can marry from today, and couples already in a foreign same-sex marriage will also now be recognised as married in Scotland.

The newlyweds said in a joint statement,

“We are so proud of Scotland for introducing equal marriage, and we hope that other countries like Australia will soon follow Scotland’s lead. We always considered our civil partnership to be our marriage, but in the eyes of the law and society it wasn’t held in the same regard. Prior to today, same-sex couples were deliberately treated as though our relationships were inferior and not worthy of the same recognition or respect. Well, from today its official, we are married and we have the certificate to prove it. This is an important step forward for equality both in terms of the law, but also in the way that LGBTI people will be viewed and treated in our society.”

Also from today, married transgender people will be able to have their gender recognised legally without divorcing their partner, which wasn’t possible before.

Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, said about the law:

“As a Government, we are proud to have introduced one of the most progressive equal marriage laws in the world. […] I believe that the love between a couple, regardless of their gender, sexuality, belief or background, is powerful and should be valued and recognised.”

In February, Scotland became the 17th country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage after Parliament passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 by a mighty 105 votes to 18, the third strongest majority for any same-sex marriage legislation in the world.t.

Today, December 16, the Irish government will decide on a likely date for Ireland’s own marriage referendum to be held in Spring 2015.

Congratulations Douglas and Peter – we wish you many happy years together.