Bearsden couple celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss

Ursula and Douglas MacLeod of Killermont, Bearsden were married at St John’s Methodist Church, Glasgow, way back on March 21 1951.

They were delighted to receive recognition of their platinum anniversary from Her Majesty the Queen and east Dunbartonshire Provost Alan Brown.

The happy couple have lived in the same house, for all but five of their married years. Aged 94 and 96 respectively, both have birthdays coming up shortly,

Their son Ken told the Herald his mum puts their marriage milestone down to simple good luck and healthy genes

He said they have been fortunate not to succumb to

serious illness and have managed to live an active life, both physically and socially.

The family has extended so far to four children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Impressively Ursula, approaching 95, is still playing regular golf and is a well-kent face at both Cawder and Clober golf clubs where she is a member.

Ken said: “Another 18 holes last Tuesday when the weather was fine and out again on Thursday!”

Douglas has been a long term member of Glasgow Golf Club, although now only a social member.

As well as golf, Ursula also pursue her long-time hobby of cross-stitching, requiring good eyesight, and providing the family with her various creations as well as the family’s annual marmalade supply produced with the new Seville oranges every January.

Ken said: “My mum has been the ‘glue’ for the family and wider family friends of more than one generation over the years and writes regularly to many of the younger members, although her own friends and contemporaries have passed on.”

Douglas was Finance Director at Tennant Caledonian (Bass) Breweries for many years until he retired and enjoyed, as a Chartered Accountant, close active links with his Institute. He continues to manage his own accounts and paperwork.

The couple had strong links with and a house on Tiree for many years, Douglas’s family hailed from the island, and this became the base for many annual family holidays.

Ken said: “Alas they now feel unable to make that journey but

have happy memories of the fun and freedom it offered the family at large.”