Coronavirus: Mum and dad’s party will have to wait

Sixty years ago today, on 25 March, 1960, my ­parents, Sandy Fraser and ­Barbara MacPherson were married in the Free Presbyterian Church in ­Inverness. Today marks their ­diamond wedding anniversary.
Murdo Fraser’s parents will spend their milestone diamond wedding anniversary on their ownMurdo Fraser’s parents will spend their milestone diamond wedding anniversary on their own
Murdo Fraser’s parents will spend their milestone diamond wedding anniversary on their own

It won’t be a day marked, as we had hoped, with a family ­celebration, a gathering of ­children, ­in-laws, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and wider ­family. Instead, like many older people, they will have to spend the day with each other’s ­company. I’m sure they will enjoy ­themselves, but it’s not what any of us hoped for.

It’s incredibly sad to think that a momentous occasion like this in our family is not being marked in the fashion we would like. Yet, the health of not just my parents, but all of us, requires exceptional measures to be taken at this time.

So, Mum and Dad, you have our very best wishes on your special day. I hope that we can have a delayed celebration later in the year, if we are all spared and well.