SATURDAY was as equally a big day for a Lochore Black Watch soldier and a Lochgelly lady as anything experienced by Prince Harry and his bride Meghan.

For Kevin Mackie had to fly all the way back from Iraq to tie the knot with school sweetheart Lauren Mitchell, and then on Monday he returned to the Middle East.

And the local duo chose Saturday May 19 as their wedding day long before the Royal couple nominated the day.

Said Kevin: "We chose this date two years ago and we were so lucky to be able to get our chosen venue for the wedding, The View, in Bathgate."

The newly weds, who have set up home in Kelty, had a fantastic time in the superb weather conditions and the former Lochgelly High School pupils could not have asked for a better day.

Said Kevin, who spent over four months serving in Iraq before getting the time off for his wedding: "We met while we were at Lochgelly High and it has been amazing how the Royal couple chose the same date.

"The View is such a brilliant place for a wedding and we we had 120 people enjoying the day."

Kevin had to fly back to Iraq on Monday, but added: "I have had a fortnight off for the wedding which was excellent and while I have had to return within 36 hours of the ceremony I will be back in Scotland within two months.

"It has been an amazing time for us and our families and we have had a great time."

While Prince Harry and Meghan tied the knot at noon on Saturday Lauren and Kevin's ceremony began at 1pm.