Madonna media told 'to behave'

Scotland is enjoying its moment in the world's spotlight

BBC News Online will have coverage of baby Rocco's baptism from 1730GMT

The hordes of media awaiting the baptism of Madonna and Guy Ritchie's baby have been warned they face Christmas in jail if they step beyond barriers outside Dornoch Cathedral.

Family and friends are due at the Highland church at 1800GMT on Thursday for the high-profile ceremony.

More than 200 members of the media are already jockeying for position.

Security will be tight at Dornoch Cathedral

That has prompted officers from Northern Constabulary to warn that if any go outside the cordoned-off area they face immediate arrest.

And because the festive season is just days away, those finding themselves on the wrong side of the law may have to stay in police cells until after Christmas.

Fog has forced some of the guests flying in for Madonna and Ritchie's wedding - taking place on Friday at Skibo Castle - to make a detour.

The VIPs, who were due to land at Inverness Airport, were diverted to the Royal Air Force base at Kinloss 25 miles away.

Wedding cake stranded

The delays have hit movie star Brad Pitt, Madonna's parents and the bride and bridegroom's wedding cake.

As guests continued to arrive, final preparations were being made for the baptism of four-month-old Rocco.

Madonna arrived on Monday

Only a handful of people, including close family and friends, are expected to attend the ceremony.

Rock star Sting, who was spotted slipping into the cathedral on Wednesday, is expected to sing at the event.

The singer/songwriter's wife Trudi Styler introduced Madonna and Ritchie at a dinner party two years ago.

The baptism will be conducted by local minister the Reverend Susan Brown who will also marry the couple the following day.

Banns delivered

Dornoch registrar Lesley Conner delivered the wedding banns, which were posted on 6 December, to the couple on Thursday morning.

Under Scots law, a couple getting married must collect the banns prior to their wedding, except in special circumstances such as security reasons.

A minister will lead the church service

The Scottish Executive confirmed special arrangements had been made for the registrar to deliver the banns to the couple, to the disappointment of waiting reporters and photographers.

A spokesman said: "In view of the situation, special arrangements have been put in place.

"The couple will not have to go to collect the banns, they are being delivered to them."

However, when Mrs Conner arrived at the registrars office at 0940GMT, she was keeping tight-lipped about the situation and said she was late for work.

Vinnie Jones

Big names tipped to attend the wedding on Friday include Hollywood heart-throb George Clooney, and movie stars Robin Williams and Rupert Everett.

But newspapers said footballer-turned- actor Vinnie Jones had announced that he would not be able to attend the wedding because of his new film career.

The former Wimbledon player told the Sun that Hollywood film bosses had refused to allow him time off from shooting his latest movie Swordfish.

Madonna, 42 and Ritchie, 32, arrived in Inverness on Monday before making their way to the castle with Rocco and the singer's four-year-old daughter Lourdes.

Shakespeare in Love star Gwyneth Paltrow and Stella McCartney flew into Inverness in a private plane on Tuesday.