Gordon and Jean Cowan married on 23 March 1951 following a two-year courtship around Glasgow’s famous dance halls.

As the country recently marked one year in lockdown, the nonagenarians were reflecting on seven decades of married life, surrounded by staff and residents at David Walker Gardens.

A socially distanced afternoon tea, arranged in line with all safety guidance, and filled with music, was enjoyed by Gordon, Jean and their fellow residents. Each table was named after a place that the globetrotting couple have visited in the 72 years since they met at the Dennistoun Palais in Glasgow.

Gordon was delighted and grateful at the party thrown in their honour. He added: “I never would have imagined as a boy, when I grew up just round the road that I would be here in this wonderful place celebrating with the love of my life after 70 years. We are very thankful.”

Senior care worker Megan Watt described the event as fun, emotional and life-affirming. She added: “Gordon often shares with us fond stories of life and travels with Jean, and we couldn’t help but notice what a tremendous psychological boost that music and a chance to share memories gives not just to them, but to all of our residents.

“Bringing all of that together with the celebration of Gordon and Jean’s amazing life and partnership, was one of the most memorable events we have seen here. We all feel so privileged to have been a part of it.”

Gordon and Jean, born in 1922 and 1926 respectively, met and married in Govan, holding their wedding reception in Rutherglen and honeymooning in Ayr. Jean was a former ‘clippie’ on the trams, leading the way as the first working women to wear trousers.

Keen travellers, the pair regularly visited Europe, with a favourite destination being the Italian Lakes. They have also travelled the length and breadth of North America by bus and train, having sailed over on the Queen Mary.

They settled in Rutherglen in later life and moved into David Walker Gardens in 2018, the home’s sole resident married couple.

David Walker’s manager, Debra Allison explained that despite the challenges Covid presents, love endures. 

She said: “It was so touching to see Gordon and Jean being able to celebrate the day with the sense of companionship and togetherness that’s characterised our staff and residents’ response to every challenge Covid has presented.”

Val de Souza, Chief Officer of South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership, praised the efforts of all involved.

She said: “Examples of compassion, thoughtfulness and community spirit have abounded, right across our care homes and throughout this pandemic.

“The fact that Gordon and Jean could take time to relax and reflect on their seven happy decades together is testament to that very spirit.”