A PRESTONPANS couple had a more than memorable diamond anniversary as coronavirus forced them to celebrate in isolation without their loved ones.

Robert and Kay Mackie, of North Crescent, celebrated 60 years of marriage on April 1.

They had originally planned a meal with 30 close friends and family at the Prestoungrange Gothenburg on April 5, but the dinner had to be postponed.

Robert was born in Edinburgh on November 8, 1933, and has lived in Prestonpans all his life, attending local primary and high schools.

He worked in a garage and then as a miner, working in different pits until his retirement in 1983.

He is a keen golfer and a member of the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club.

Kay was born in Canada on November 1, 1931, but moved with her family to Carmichael, Lanark, when she was three or four years old.

The pair met dancing at the Cavendish club in Edinburgh in May 1959, and were engaged at Christmas the same year.

They married a year later at Glencorse Church, near Penicuik.

Kay worked in an office until she and Robert started their own family; Sheila was born in 1961 and Diana in 1965.

The family lived in Cockenzie for seven years before moving to Prestonpans. Robert and Kay have now lived in the same house for 52 years.

Sheila explained why her parents had decided to marry on April 1.

She said: “My mum’s only brother, Michael Robertson, was emigrating back to Canada and she wanted him at the wedding.

“That was the only date they could get before he emigrated; he moved back the week after and still lives there now. It was nothing to do with April Fool’s Day!”

The pair have three grandchildren, one great grandson and two step-great granddaughters. Sheila’s eldest son, Calum, was born in 1984 and she said the new grandparents were soon taking on babysitting duties.

Sheila said: “They’re really family orientated and helped a lot with bringing the kids up. They would go to their house after school.”

With celebration plans now on hold, the family instead spent part of the morning waving to the happy couple from afar.

Sheila said: “We went round in the morning and waved in the window. It was nice to see them; they’re celebrating so many years married.”

When asked their secret to a long and happy marriage, Sheila added: “They said to listen to each other and to not go to bed on an argument.”