Diamond duos sparkle on special celebrations

TWO couples from Midlothian have been celebrating their diamond wedding anniversaries.

Ian and Margaret Maclennan were joined by Midlothian Provost Adam Montgomery and Sir Robert Clerk, vice Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian, when they celebrated 60 years of marriage at their home in Penicuik recently.

Ian was born in Peterhead Prison, wardens quarters, in 1925, and Margaret was born in Aberdeen, in 1929.

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The couple first met in Torry, Aberdeen, as Margaret was friendly with a cousin of Ian’s. They were married at St Peter’s Epsicopal Church in Torry.

Ian worked for the Post Office before joining the Inland Revenue, where he worked as a tax inspector for more than 35 years.

His work took the family to Norfolk – Norwich and King’s Lynn – before they returned to Scotland and Penicuik in 1971, where they have lived since.

Ian retired in 1988. Margaret also worked for the Inland Revenue for 15 years before retiring in 1989.

They have three children – Neil, who lives with his family in Southampton; James, who lives in Brisbane, Australia, with his family; and Fiona who, lives in Biggar. They have five grandchildren and one great grandson.

They are both active members of St James the Less Episcopal Church Penicuik, where Ian was the treasurer for many years.

Since retiring, Ian has been a volunteer at Penicuik Citizens Advice Bureau, providing assistance with tax problems.

They both like to spend time doing crosswords and, when the weather allows, spend time in their garden. Margaret enjoys knitting, crocheting and flower arranging.

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They both enjoy travel and have, over the years, visited many places including, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.

• ALSO celebrating 60 years of marriage recently were Alex and Jessie Donaldson. The couple met in Gullane and just over a year later they married in Edinburgh. They had their reception in the Wee Windows, on the High Street.

They rented a room in Portobello for some time, before moving to Maryfield, where they started a family. They have three children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Alex qualified as a panel beater before joining up for military service. When he left the service, he attended Murray House and became a teacher in craft and design, woodwork and taught in St David’s in Dalkeith.

He left after a few years and set up D&N Caravans, before moving back to teaching until he retired.

The couple enjoy caravan holidays in Peebles. Alex’s hobbies include fishing and coin collecting, while former typist Jessie enjoys knitting.