Inspirational couple who are always good for a laugh

Devoted grandparents Alexander and Susan Gibb are celebrating 60 years of marriage after meeting as teenagers at a dance hall in the Capital.

The Fountainbridge couple marked the occasion with a holiday in Egypt, arranged by their loved ones who describe them as an "inspiration".

Alexander, "Alex", Gibb was born on 4 May, 1929 and raised in the Fountainbridge area of the city, going on to attend St Peter's RC School in Morningside before becoming a milkman, working alongside Sir Sean Connery.

Susan, "Susie", Duff was born on 21 July, 1930, raised in the Southside and was a pupil at the James Clark School. She worked for a drapers in the neighbourhood until the couple had their first child.

The pair met at the Palais de Dance, in Fountainbridge, where they were so good at dancing they were repeatedly asked by management to stop, as other revellers refused to dance alongside them for fear of being shown up.

On 18 February, 1950 they were married at the Sacred Heart Church, Lauriston Place, just a year after Mr Gibb completed his National Service.

They went on to have six children – Alex, Susan, John, Elizabeth, Margaret and David – and are now a proud granny and grandad to seven grandsons, a granddaughter and five great-grandchildren.

Mr Gibb, 81, enjoyed a 48-year career with British Railways after his spell as a milkman, firstly as a fireman in the steam room at Haymarket, before becoming a driver of diesel trains. Mrs Gibb, 80, worked in many part-time jobs while raising their children and is described as "devoted" by her daughter, Elizabeth Millar, who said she has been a "fantastic" mother.

She said: "We're so very proud of both of them – they have been a real inspiration to us all and great role models."

For many years the couple were involved with the Beechwood Bowling Club, in Roseburn, where Mr Gibb was a treasurer and Mrs Gibb a caterer for social events.

They have also enjoyed many holidays abroad since retirement, sharing an interest in travelling and sightseeing.

But the diamond couple's true passion is their family.

Mrs Millar said: "My parents are at their happiest when they're surrounded by their family, having a giggle. They have such a strong sense of humour and they are always good for a laugh.

"I am not sure what the secret has been to such a long marriage, but a lot of it has been down to their humour. I think they would agree their greatest achievement has been their family – they're as proud of us as we are of them."

Mr and Mrs Gibb celebrated with loved ones on returning from Egypt and were treated to a cake featuring a print of their 60-year-old wedding photo.