Sheila and Alan Smith both grew up in Aberdeen where Alan was a mechanic by trade and Sheila worked as a dental nurse.

They met when Alan’s friend started seeing the girl who lived next door – who was Sheila’s friend.

The pair soon became close and loved ‘courting’ at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom. This led to marriage and they moved, first to Turriff for several years and then to Inverness, where they bought their first house and had a daughter, Amanda.

Their next move was to Hamilton in 1973 as a result of Alan applying for a post with ScottishPower at its base in Montrose Crescent, and they set up home in Aitken Road.

Their second daughter, Lisa, arrived in 1974, and the following year they moved to a house in Larch Grove, Silvertonhill – and have stayed there ever since.

They had their third daughter, Debbie, in 1979 and now also have a total of eight grandchildren: Holly , Max, Ella, Evie, Finn, Zach, Matilda and Amelie.  

Alan has always maintained his keen interest in cars and Sheila loves to knit, sew and bake, but they are at their happiest when spending time with all the family, sharing their great sense of humour and love.

On their Diamond Wedding Anniversary, they were also able to spend time with two special visitors from outwith the family: South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper, who presented the couple with flowers, a card and a certificate on behalf of the council, and Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Lanarkshire William Morrison Young, who handed over a certificate to mark their achievement, with a congratulatory card also having been received from King Charles.