A tale of a dog in a café and 60 years of wedded bliss

Published: Friday 6 November 2026

Provost Bert Thomson (right) and Depute Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Andy Braidwood congratulate Raymond and Anne Murray on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary at the couple's home in East Kilbride.

In a Kings Park café in 1963, a young man asked a girl if he could “take her wee dog for a walk”, and was permitted “as long as you don’t lose him”.

Not only did Raymond Murray not lose young Spot, but he also found the love of his life in the puppy’s owner, Anne.

Three years later, they were married and the happy couple have now celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.

Anne was originally from Toryglen and Raymond from Rutherglen but, in 1967, they settled into their first home in Stobo, East Kilbride, and have made their life in the town ever since.

Raymond was training to become an engineer with Maven Colson, while Anne was working as a hairdresser — careers that would remain a big part of their lives for many years to come.

Later that year, they welcomed their son, Raymond, followed by their daughter, Dawn, in 1971, and their family has continued to grow over the years, and they are now proud grandparents of five and great-grandparents of four.

After 60 years of marriage, Raymond and Anne continue to share a wonderful life together, surrounded by the family they have built and the many memories they have made along the way and, as part of their anniversary celebrations, they welcomed two special guests and Depute Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Andy Braidwood.

Dropping in to congratulate the couple were South Lanarkshire Provost Bert Thomson, who presented them with flowers and a certificate on behalf of the council, and Depute Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Andy Braidwood, who handed over a congratulatory card from King Charles.