Madonna factor 'as big as Braveheart'

Braveheart was an international hit

Pop star Madonna's plans to marry film director Guy Ritchie could be "as big as Braveheart" for Scotland, according to tourism and business chiefs.

The celebrity wedding, which is expected to take place at Skibo Castle, near Dornoch, in Sutherland, is likely to be a huge boost for the local economy.

The movie blockbuster Braveheart, which was set in Scotland and starred Hollyrood heart-throb Mel Gibson, was an international hit and is thought to have generated millions in tourism and spin-off industries.

Madonna, Ritchie and 200 guests are likely to spend up to a week at the luxury hotel, with a marriage ceremony expected on 22 December.

Madonna and Ritchie are planning a Highland fling

They are also thought to be planning a christening ceremony for their son Rocco at Dornoch Cathedral.

Sutherland economic development officer Gordon Todd said the community had been "buzzing" since wedding banns were published at the registrar's office in the town on Thursday.

He said: "Over the next two or three weeks the spin-off benefits will hopefully be enormous and will be a bonanza for hoteliers, guesthouses, shops and other businesses whose trade normally shades off at this time of year.

"Even without the Madonna factor, Skibo Castle contributes £4m annually to the local economy in terms of local jobs and tourism spend.

Economic boost

"Clearly that will soar over the next few weeks.

"We will be working with the local enterprise company, the Scottish Tourist Board, and Host, the local area tourist board.

The wedding banns were published on Thursday

"The Madonna factor will hopefully emulate what Rob Roy and Mel Gibson did for Stirling and the Braveheart country in the central belt."

Braveheart, which told the story of William Wallace, put Scottish history on the silver screen.

It, along with Rob Roy - which starred Liam Neeson - are thought to have generated millions for Scottish tourism and associated industries.

Hotel accommodation in Dornoch and the surrounding has already been snapped up.

Security arrangements for the wedding are also being put in place.

Staff at the hotel have been issued with identity cards and police are making arrangements to ensure the event goes smoothly.

Superintendent Jim Heddle said: ""Clearly, given the world renowned fame of Madonna it is quite obvious we are going to have to do something in terms of personal safety to ensure that the whole event goes off smoothly for her and the rest of the community.

The media has descended on the town

"I don't think it is for us to keep people away.

"I'm sure people will want to see something of the event, something of the day, but all persons attending the event will be required to ensure that the event goes okay."

Mr Ritchie, 32, is tipped to walk down the aisle in full Highland dress in Hunting MacIntosh dress tartan.

The outfit is believed to be a tribute to his war hero grandfather Major Stewart Ritchie, who served with the Seaforth Highlanders.

His father John also served in the army.

Some of the women of Dornoch have issued an invitation to the singer to hold her hen night in the town.

They said Madonna should come for a "traditional" Highland hen night, including L-plates and fancy dress.