Care home workers help Scottish couple celebrate platinum wedding during lockdown

A devoted couple have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary after being married for 70 years - despite the Coronavirus lockdown

James Kerr, 98, married his wife, Elizabeth, 92, on 25 March 1950.

Known to friends and family as Jimmy and Cissy, the pair both have dementia and are looked after at Hill View care home in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire.

Their three children had been organising a special party for them, but plans had to be shelved due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

James and Elizabeth Kerr celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary at Hill View care home in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, despite the Covid-19 lockdown

In December last year, both Jimmy and Cissy became seriously ill and were treated in the same ward at the Vale of Leven Hospital so they could be cared for together.

Although restrictions on visitors meant they could not celebrate with their nine grandchildren and their great-grandchildren, the couple received cards and presents.

Their youngest daughter, Rosemary, 60, said: “We were heartbroken that we couldn't throw the party we'd planned, but the staff are wonderful - they made sure Mum and Dad had a happy day.

“The staff there just love them.

Care home workers say the deep and long-lasting love between James and Elizabeth Kerr, who have just celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary, can be easily seen

“One carer told me that when Mum is in the day room and Dad walks in to join her in the morning, her face lights up like she's 21 again.

“It's a deep-rooted, true love and the carer told me their devotion for each other makes her and the staff want to cry.”

Home manager Kathleen Glasgow said: “It was our privilege to help Jimmy and Cissy celebrate their anniversary. What an achievement.

“I know how much it meant to them and their family to mark the day, so we made a big fuss of them.

“When this is all over we’ll help Rosemary and the family give them the party they’d been planning all along.

“Jimmy and Cissy are a shining example of how to have a long and happy marriage.”