When Margaret (ne Graham) was just 15, she started work at the Cooperative offices in Glasgow on a Friday and met Charlie, 17, the following Monday – and the rest, as they say, is history.

Helping them celebrate their landmark anniversary at their home in Cathkin was South Lanarkshire Depute Provost Bert Thomson, who presented the couple with flowers and a certificate on behalf of the council.

And Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Janet Low also joined the couple to present them with a certificate from The King and The Queen, at this, her final function before her retirement from the Lieutenancy.

Charlie and Margaret dated for five years before tying the knot on 19 February 1966 when they were 22 and 20 respectively.

They set up home in a flat in Bridgeton and the following year their first daughter Andrea was born.

In 1969 they moved to a family house in the newly built Cathkin area with second daughter Jackie completing the family the following year.

Margaret became a stay-at-home mum until the girls started school and then returned to work as a machinist.

Charlie worked at Enfield Cables in Cambuslang before becoming a fax machine service engineer.

The couple have always dedicated their lives to their family, although Charlie still managed to find time for football and has been a life-long member of the Labour Party.

The family has swelled over the years with grandchildren Erin in 1993, Drew in 1995 and Jake in 2008.

They are now awaiting the arrival of their first great grandchild due in July, the same month Drew gets married to Eilidh. 

If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.