Real Lives: Friends and family mark couple's diamond date

Betty and James Campbell, who married at Glasgow's Hubbard Halls on March 2 1951, have three children - Anne, George and Karen - seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Mr Campbell was a painter with West Lothian County Council, before working his way up to being in charge of safety and training for the local authority's apprentices.

He was also one of the founder trustees of Acredale House Day Centre for older people in Bathgate.

Mr and Mrs Campbell, of Falside Terrace, are originally from Glasgow, although Mr Campbell was brought up in West Lothian.

Mrs Campbell said: "I had an aunt and uncle who stayed in Armadale and I met James when he was painting the prefabs there."

The family marked the special day by incorporating the couple's anniversary celebrations into their granddaughter's wedding.

They were presented with flowers and a cake, with daughter Anne making a speech.

But what is their secret for a long and happy marriage?

"Being understanding and trying to see that your partner is happy" said Mr Campbell.

A Church of Scotland minister who spent his entire ministry in one parish has died at the age of 80.

Rev Donald Skinner MBE was inducted to Gilmerton Parish Church in 1962 and stayed there for 38 years.

He made a huge impact on the community in his early years and he was deeply concerned for young people.

Colleague Johnston McKay said the ministry that Rev Skinner developed through the 1960s and 1970s addressed youngsters' needs on two levels.

"Firstly, he was endlessly available to any young person who needed help.

"Secondly, he set up Pioneer Tec (Training for Industry) in 1975, which ran pre-apprenticeship courses for disadvantaged young people."

Rev Skinner was born in Alexandria in Dunbartonshire in March, 1930, and educated at Vale of Leven Academy, before attending the former Paisley Technical and Glasgow Technical Colleges. Before he began his studies for the ministry, he spent time as an assistant mechanical engineer in Orkney and then throughout his studies at Longriggend in Lanarkshire.

As well as his role in Gilmerton, Rev Skinner was also chaplain to Liberton Hospital and in 1985 he was awarded an MBE for his work in the Gilmerton community.

In 1991, his pre-ministry career was recognised when he was made a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders.

Rev Skinner's wife Betsy died during his ministry and he is survived by his son David and grandson Kieran.

He passed away in Helensburgh on February 22.