A COUPLE who dedicated their careers to teaching children in the central region last week celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in Alloa.

Moira and Bert Bruce met at teaching college in Dundee when she was the president of the dramatic society and was hoping to gain more members.

As Bert was a few years older and in a circle of mature students, Moira thought she best go in with a speech prepared and she certainly made an impression as he decided to join.

They also worked together on a student RaG (Raise and Give) day, which saw them don native American dresses on the back of a lorry, going around the city's streets as part of their fundraising.

And the couple never stopped their charitable endeavours as, at the age of 83 and 86, Moira and Bert still volunteer for Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

Fast-forward around three years from the time they first met, the two teachers had started working in the wider central region and got married at Coalsnaughton Parish Church on July 18, 1959.

It was a bright and sunny day and a rather unique ceremony with many highland traditions as Moira, nee Henderson, hails from Caithness.

Guests arrived from all over the country and as she was teaching in the local primary, many of the schoolchildren and parents were also out on the streets to give their best wishes.

Speaking of the highland wedding, Moira explained: "You would normally be piped, as we were – my cousin is the pipe major of the Wick Pipe Band, down to Coalsnaughton Hall where we normally would have had the reception.

"But it was closed for refurbishment at the time so we had to get a bus there and go to Castle Campbell.

"We still had to march behind the piper in full highland outfit."

The tradition of the heist, which sees scatter money scrambled for children at the wedding, was also brought to life on the day.

Moira dedicated her career to teaching in primary schools in the wider area while Bert was in secondary education.

Between them, they boast 68 years of service, longer than their 60-year marriage and would not trade those rewarding years for anything.

Their teaching legacy will carry on as both their "very precious" sons and "wonderful" daughter-in-law are in the profession.

They also enjoy spending time with their "amazing" grandchildren, a boy and a girl.

Many of the couple's favourite memories relate to the various holidays they enjoyed around the world.

Indeed, some of their tales would deserve a piece of their own, like how they were once "regally entertained" by high-ranking state officials in Malaysia.

The diamond anniversary was celebrated at Parkway Court last week with many friendly neighbours in attendance as well a surprise visit by Provost Tina Murphy and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Margaret Paterson.