Congratulations to Saltcoats couple Aileen and Robert Aitken who have celebrated 60 happy years of marriage.

Aileen, 86, was born and brought up in Saltcoats; whilst Robert, 90, was born in Glasgow but moved to the town with his family when he was five.

When s1saltcoats caught up with Aileen, she was delighted to be celebrating their Diamond anniversary and told us the recipe to a long and happy marriage. She said: “Just try not to fall out with each other! Have your own opinions but see the other person’s point of view. I think Robert’s just surprised we’ve lasted this long!”

Aileen and Robert have been active members of the local community for years. Both enjoy gardening and were keen members of Saltcoats and District Horticultural Society. They were also active members of Saltcoats Bowling Club and Ardrossan Indoor Bowling Club.

It was through such community involvement that the couple first met. Aileen said: “We knew each other just through being sporty people. We both played tennis and we went to the same church. At that time it was Erskine Church, it’s now New Trinity.”

The couple married in Erskine Church in 1952 and over the years were involved with the Boys’ Brigade, Sunday School, choir and church maintenance. 

They lived in Argyle Road for more than 50 years where they brought up their two sons, Alan, now a retired town planner, and Kenneth, a doctor. Robert worked in Nobel’s Explosives for more than 40 years and Aileen was a homemaker.

Aileen said: “It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached this stage. We’re both quite healthy - my husband uses a walking aid but other than that we’re both just fine. It makes a difference if you get out and about.”

Today, Aileen and Robert live in a ground floor flat overlooking South Beach and enjoy regular walks along the prom. They have four adult grandchildren and two granddaughters-in-law.

Aileen said: “We moved four years ago into the new flat and we don’t have a garden to worry about so that helps. We’re looking straight across to Arran which is lovely - though today it’s not so nice outside but you just have to take the good as it comes!

“We’re having a celebration in April because some of our family are going to be away skiing. We’ve got that to look forward to after they come back so they can all be there. I’ve never tried skiing and I don’t ever intend to!

“You keep hearing about people popping off and you wonder why we’ve been kept here. We are glad we’re still here and are able to cope with everyday things, and we’ve got our lovely friends and family around us.”

Congratulations Aileen and Robert!