Jim and Pat Bolton, from Burnside, have celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary and were visited by South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper to add her congratulations to those of their family.

The couple are Rutherglen through and through, although Pat (83) describes her 84-year-old husband as “a newcomer”, considering he moved to the Royal Burgh at the late age of eight!

The pair have given their time and efforts to the community throughout their lives, both through the church and with a large number of charities in the area, earning them recognition through community awards and an OBE for Pat.

They managed to give their time to these extensive commitments while bringing up their family, and have daughters Fiona and Isla, grandchildren Heather, Fraser, Stuart and Emily and great-grandchildren Hazel and Ewan all adding their congratulations to those of the Provost.

Provost Cooper presented the couple with flowers, a special bottle of whisky and a certificate on behalf of the council, as well as adding her own personal best wishes.

She said: “It was an honour to help this lovely couple commemorate the remarkable achievement that is 60 years of marriage, and it was also a pleasure to meet with them and hear about the work they have done for the community over the years – and I know that it was only scratching the surface of their service to others.

“Whether it was Pat’s time as managing the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, her work with Victim Support after ‘retiring’ and her service through Inner Wheel, or Jim’s Board membership at Healthy and Happy until as recently as just before Covid or his more than 70 years with the Scouts, it was absolutely fascinating chatting to them and I could have spent all day listening to their stories.

“I offer them my congratulations on reaching this milestone and wish them every happiness for their years ahead in each other’s company.”