Potters ring in the bells with style

The couple toasted 50 years of marriage over Hogmanay with their extended family.

Edinburgh-born Margaret met James at the age of 15 on a visit to his house in Prestonpans. James was 19 and serving in the army.

The couple courted for two years before getting married in 1960. The ceremony was held in the local church at Prestonpans and the couple moved to Edinburgh, where they still live.

They have been blessed with a large family, with two sons and three daughters, along with 20 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Yvonne Irvine said: "That is an achievement in itself."

The whole family was present to celebrate the milestone, including James' brothers and sisters.

James worked for 20 years as a coal man. He had an interest in football and loved playing with his children and grandchildren. Now he enjoys a game of darts or dominoes.

Margaret enjoys playing bingo and in her younger days always socialised once a week with her friends.

The couple spend as much time as possible with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who live in Edinburgh. Raising a large family was not always easy and there were times when having five children running around the house was stressful. Still, James and Margaret have been through everything together and Yvonne said this is behind the success of their marriage.