60 years together is no family secret

Published: Monday 8 April 2024

John (known as Jackie) and Agnes McNab celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary with Provost Margaret Cooper and Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Dr William Morrison Young

Having a large family around you is the secret to 60 years of marriage according to John and Agnes McNab.

And most of their three children, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren would agree as they gathered at the couple’s home in East Kilbride to help them celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

And just when they thought they couldn’t get any more people in the house, John (known as Jackie) and Agnes were also joined by South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper, who presented the couple with flowers, a special bottle of whisky and a certificate on behalf of the council.

And Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Dr William Morrison Young was also on hand to present them with a certificate from The King and The Queen Consort to mark their achievement.

Jackie met Agnes when she was working in the Grand Cafe on Old Coach Road, East Kilbride.

They were married in EK Parish Church on 21 March 1964 and their first home was in the East Mains area.

Jackie, who was born in Dunfermline, like his father, worked on farms for a long time. So, the family also lived in farmhouses over the years as John worked for different diaries in the Nerston and Hamilton areas.

Agnes, who was born in Dullater near Cumbernauld, moved around with her family a lot until finally settling in East Kilbride where the couple met. She had various factory and retail jobs over the years.

The couple loved sightseeing and drove all over Scotland.

When Jackie retired, they moved back to East Kilbride and are now delighted that all their grandchildren play such a big part in their lives.

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