A north-east couple have reached a monumental milestone in their relationship – celebrating 70 years of happy marriage.
Charles and Janet McKay celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary yesterday and were surrounded by their family, friends and even bridesmaid to mark tying the knot back in 1946.
The childhood sweethearts, both originally from Deeside, met when they were just nine and 10-years-old after attending Logie Coldstone School.
“We then got married when I was 18 and Charles was 19,” explained Mrs McKay, who is 88.
She added that whilst it was definitely love at first sight at such a young age, their love has continued to grow.
They now stay in Inverurie where they have lived for almost 25 years.
“I would certainly say it was love at first sight which has grown over the past 70 years,” said Mrs McKay.
Throughout their seven decades of marriage the couple have celebrated the birth of two sons and a daughter.
And their family has grown since – they now have eight grandchildren, all of whom are married, and 18 great-grandchildren.
To celebrate the significant anniversary, the couple along with 43 of their closest family and friends had dinner at the Kintore Arms in Inverurie.
When asked what the secret was to a long and happy marriage, Mr McKay had a simple, but effective answer.
“The secret lies with two very simple words, ‘Yes dear’, ” said the 89-year-old.
The couple’s youngest son, Robert, said he was
in awe of his parents and the milestone they had reached.
“It was brilliant to get all the family together for such a joyous occasion,” said the 63-year-old.
“It is such a milestone and a brilliant achievement, and it is great to see them both make this anniversary with such a good bill of health.
“We had an excellent time and the party will remain a very notable memory for us all.”