From UK Parliament to Kerala temple: Scottish MP marries Indian woman after years-long love story
Thrissur/IBNS: In an instance of cross-border romance, Scottish Member of Parliament Martin Day on Tuesday tied the knot with an Indian woman at the Guruvayur Temple in Kerala's Thrissur, media reports said.
Couple ties the knot in Kerala
Martin Day, a former UK Parliament member, married Piravom native Nidhin Chandh at 11 am, followed by celebrations at the Pushpanjali Auditorium.
Nidhin's 22-year-old son from her previous marriage, Veddik Shankar, was present alongside close relatives at the ceremony, marking the culmination of a relationship that began in the United Kingdom years ago.
How they met
Nidhin travelled to the UK for higher studies but later faced difficulties following changes to visa regulations.
After her visa was cancelled, she began lobbying before parliamentary committees. It was during this period that she met Martin, who was then the UK MP for the Linlithgow and East Falkirk constituency.
The two met in February 2016 and gradually became close friends.
Scottish MP Martyn Day marries Keralite Nitin Chand at Guruvayur.
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) August 19, 2026
Nitin, a native of Piravom in Ernakulam district, moved to the UK in 2008 for higher studies in IT management, where she met Day. pic.twitter.com/qm088aWsZO
Martin proposed to Nidhin within months of their first meeting, but she initially took time before committing to the relationship.
At the time, Nidhin was a divorced mother of a 12-year-old son and was facing difficulties as she was without a job and had uncertain visa status.
Relationship grows stronger
Martin remained committed to the relationship and later introduced Nidhin to his parents, who welcomed her warmly.
The Scottish politician also accompanied Nidhin and her son, Veddik, to the UK.
The couple registered their marriage in the UK nine years ago.
Nidhin currently works as a management consultant and is actively involved in campaigns of Martin's Scottish National Party.
Her son Veddik is a senior database administrator at Computershare in Edinburgh after completing his education.
Wedding at Guruvayur Temple
Nidhin had wanted to solemnise the marriage ceremonially at Guruvayur Temple. However, the couple's plans were repeatedly delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and floods.
Although Martin visited Kerala three times after their marriage, the couple could finally complete the traditional wedding ceremony during his fourth visit in 2026.
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