Diamond delight for Dumfries couple as they celebrate 60 years of married bliss

Sam and Beryl Martin had a double reason to pop the champagne corks as great-grandaughter Isla was born in Edinburgh three days before their big day

A Dumfries couple have celebrated 60 years of married bliss with their friends and family.

And Sam and Beryl Martin had a double reason to pop the champagne corks – great-grandaughter Isla was born in Edinburgh three days before their big day.

The diamond duo, from Heathhall, were up in the capital yesterday visiting the latest addition to their family.

The couple first met when Gatehouse lassie Beryl Pickthall caught the eye of young Sam, from Kirkcudbright, at a dance at Castle Douglas Town Hall.

Daughter Elaine said: “Mum and dad were married 60 years on October 10.

“Dad had a very sudden life changing operation nine months ago resulting in amputation of his leg.

“It hit the whole family very hard.

“But they are both amazing and are now coping well and were so excited to be able to celebrate their diamond wedding.

“They had some neighbours in for a wee buffet on the anniversary at night then had a family meal – there were around 20 of us – the following week at Casa Mia.”

Elaine added: “Instead of any gifts they asked for donations instead and they will be given to DGRI.

“They are the most wonderful parents and have so much love for each other and their family.”

Sam grew up at Low Boreland Farm, Kirkcudbright and was one of six children.

At 17 he did an apprenticeship at the Scottish Milk Marketing Board powder milk factory in Kirkcudbright, studying for his Ordinary National certificate in mechanical engineering which got him a job at ICI in Dumfries 1964, where he worked until retiring in 1999.

Beryl was one of three children and grew up in Gatehouse, leaving school at 15 to attend the Commercial College in Castle Douglas to study shorthand and typing.

She worked for different companies including Stevenson and Jeffrey, Kirkcudbright County Council, then moved to Dumfries with Sam and worked at Penmans Engineering and then Nithsdale District Council, retiring during council reorganisation.

Both Beryl and Sam are 82 and have two children, Elaine and Andrew, four grandchildren, Lauren, Ross, Sam and Max, three-year-old great-granddaughters Maisie and now Isla, 11 days old today.

Over the years, the couple’s hobbies included gardening, golf, badminton and going lovely holidays abroad.

Sam was captain of Dumfries and Galloway Golf Club from 1988-89 and chairperson of Dumfries Hale and Hearty Club for nearly 20 years after having a triple heart bypass.

He was also chairperson of Heathhall Community Hall committee for 13 years.

Beryl’s hobbies included, cooking and knitting and gardening.

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