Loving North Ayrshire couple celebrate their diamond wedding

Isobel and Bob Hunter met each other at a dance at the Moorings in Largs in June 1962...and the rest is history.

The couple married on April 4, 1964, at St Columba's Church in Kilbirnie, and then settled into a flat above the Post Office on Main Street in the town.

The couple married in April 1964 (Image: Newsquest)

They later welcomed daughter Fionna in 1965 and Heather in 1967 before moving to Johnstone in 1969.

Bob began his career as a trainee accountant at James Scott Electrical Engineers, and eventually became director of finance for North Ayrshire Council.

Meanwhile, Isobel worked at Fordbank Nursing Home and then Cubrieshaw Nursing Home as a nursing assistant.

The family was complete after the arrival of their third daughter Jennifer in 1977, which prompted a move to Saltcoats in 1978.

They stayed there until 2012 when a move to Largs brought them full circle to the town where they met more than 60 years ago.

Daughter Heather Gray said: “Largs has always a big part of our lives over the years.

"We visited there regularly, going to Nardini’s and the Moorings, walking to the Pencil and going to Millport.

"It was where they first met each other and now where they spend their retirement. It is a town that makes them happy.

“They were young parents, and we travelled all over Scotland for holidays, often in the family caravan, having picnics and walking the dog.

"Mum and dad love Perthshire, and we spent many holidays in and around Pitlochry. We have lots of happy memories."

Now in their retirement Bob is a keen golfer in both Largs and Irvine, where he joins his friends Rob and Gordon for regular rounds on the course. 

Until recently Bob was also a trustee of the Scottish Maritime Museum in Irvine, where he has been involved for many years.

The couple celebrated the wonderful occasion surrounded by family and friends (Image: Newsquest)

Both Bob and Isobel have kept their connections in Saltcoats by being regular attenders at St Cuthbert's Parish Church and visiting Jennifer and her family who live in the town.

Isobel has played a big role in the lives of her nine grandchildren over the years, and the addition of great grand-daughter Emily has also brought them great joy.

Heather continued: “Even though they are retired, they keep themselves busy. They always make sure to go to France every year, and to Lanzarote with the family, and the connections and visits to Perthshire remain.’

The couple celebrated their special occasion at The Blair in Auchentiber, surrounded by family and friends, while Depute Lieutenant Evelyn McCann also paid a visit to present them with a card of congratulations from the King and Queen.

They received a special card from the King and Queen (Image: Newsquest)

Heather added: “We all want to wish our mum and dad congratulations on this amazing milestone. We are so incredibly grateful for everything they have done for us.

"We hope that they had a brilliant day celebrating with friends and family and we look forward to celebrating many more years to come.”