In a message dated 15/05/00 12:49:43 PM Central Daylight Time, mackenzi@cytanet.com.cy writes: << Hello all, In paragraph 6 of an extract of marriages, my G Grandfather's certificate is signed "Warrant of Sheriff Substitute of Inverness Elgin and Nairn dated 6th Sep 1939" (the date is the same date as the marriage). I presume that this was an irregular marriage. Can anyone assist on this at all ie. what is the definition of an irregular marriage, does the fact that it has been signed by the Sheriff signify that he has been a "naughty boy "? Many thanks for your help Alan Mackenzie >> Scotland was at war in 1939 perhaps they were military which made the marriage irregular in as much as times of bands etc., may of been eased. The Sheriff in Scotland is different from in the US. more involved in the collection of fees taxes and tariffs. DaveM.