As clocks struck midnight to signal the beginning of Hogmanay in Scotland, the country's first homosexual couples were married.

ITV reports Joe Schofield and Malcolm Brown, both 42, and Susan Douglas-Scott, 54, and Gerrie Douglas-Scott, 59, were the first to tie the knot. SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon acted as a witness at the second couple's ceremony.

Scotland passed the Marriage and Civil Partnership Bill earlier this year, making it the 17th country to legalise gay marriage. As the came into effect on December 16 and a notice period is required, today was the earliest date that could be set.

History is made @SuzDS #equalmarriage pic.twitter.com/ggy8t2X2mn

— Audrey Birt (@AudreyBirt) December 31, 2014