Dingwall couple’s 65 years of wedded bliss
A DANCE in Dingwall Town Hall back in 1957 was the start of a two-year romance that culminated in a Friday 13th wedding.
The couple who tied the knot a remarkable 65 years ago remain very much in love and tomorrow plan making the short trip from their Dingwall home to the Global Energy Stadium to watch their beloved Ross County in action.
As season ticket holders, Hamish (90) and Joan (85) MacDonald are well versed in the club’s ups and downs over the years and are familiar faces amongst their fellow Staggies’ faithful.
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Hamish and Joan, who celebrated the truly impressive landmark surrounded by family and friends, confirmed they are not superstitious despite the date of their wedding - and that has surely been borne out by the many blissful years they have spent together.
Looking back, Joan recalls Hamish being a good dancer and it seems the retired plumber has barely put a foot wrong since.
Back in those early days the couple found themselves together all the time - and very little has changed decades on.
Joan, who used to work at Dingwall Academy, says love is at the heart of a good relationship and says a bit of give and take is essential.
She calls her husband “an old romantic” while he sees her as “a beautiful and lovely woman”.
They have two children, Carol and Hamish, as well as four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
A very “special” moment” of their marriage was the birth of their daughter Carol on Christmas Day 63 years ago.
Carol said the couple had enjoyed “a very memorable day” with “plenty of visitors and lots of good wishes and gifts”.
She said: “We went out in the evening to the Station Hotel in Alness where we had a lovely family meal and as we were leaving they were given a bottle of wine from the manager/owner to celebrate their special anniversary.
“They also had another treat on Friday when we took them to the Mustard Seed for lunch. Again they were treated with complimentary drinks as they said they had never had anyone celebrate 65 years before.
Ross County even obliged this weekend with a home win over Motherwell capping a perfect week for the happy couple.
Did you know?
A 65th anniversary is symbolised by Blue Sapphire. It is seen as an occasion that marks practically a lifetime together. Kings and queens in ancient Greece and Rome believed the blue sapphires would protect them from harm.
During the Middle Ages, blue sapphires were thought to attract the blessings of Heaven and have long been associated with royalty and romance.
Other notable anniversaries include Ruby (40 years), symbolising the colour of passion and love; Gold (50 years), symbolising prosperity, strength, wisdom, and lifelong love and Diamond (60 years), said by some to represent invincibility.
A 70th wedding anniversary is symbolised by platinum.
