Provost McAllan was invited along to the couple’s home in Lesmahagow as they enjoyed 60 years of married life together, having tied the knot on 20 October 1961 at the South Church in Hamilton.

Unfortunately due to Covid restrictions the Provost was unable to spend time with the couple in their home, but did manage to spend some time with them outside in their garden where he presented them with a card, framed scroll, whisky and flowers.

The Provost said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be able to play a small part in William and Jean’s special day.

“Being married for 60 years is a tremendous achievement and one that merits this recognition. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication that is always required to achieve something this special.

“I hope their day was a memorable tribute to the past 60 years and wish them all the very best as they continue their lives together. They are a credit to themselves, their family and their community.”

William was born on 5 April 1934 and grew up in Lesmahagow while Jean was born on 24 January 1938 and grew up in Hamilton.

They met at a young farmers dance in Hamilton and after they married they moved to North Bankend Farm in Lesmahagow. William eventually took over the family farm and the couple lived there until he retired in 1999 when they moved to their current home.

During his life as a farmer William took part in many ploughing competitions and also followed in his father’s great passion for showing Clydesdale horses, picking up trophies for many years.

Jean, who was the manager of the Co-op in Almada Street in Hamilton, was also a keen baker and passed on her talents to her three children William, Jean and Mary.

Jean was also a great knitter, firstly for her five grandchildren, Samantha, Paul, John, Scott and Nicola and nowadays for her great grandchildren Christopher and Alexander and is now standing by for the arrival of a third in the very near future.

And if that’s not enough Jean also does cross stitch pictures of horses and dogs while William continues with his interest in Clydesdale horses.

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