Globe-trotting Clacks couple celebrate 60 years of marriage

Alexander and Anne Reyner capped their diamond wedding anniversary last Thursday, March 19 with a visit from their family and provost Tina Murphy, who arrived with flowers and a gift.

The couple met at the dancing in Stirling's Golden Lion hotel when Alex was 23 and Anne was 19.

Their relationship progressed from there and the couple married two years later at Menstrie Parish Church in 1960 with a reception at the Allanwater in Bridge of Allan.

Edinburgh was the first stop of their honeymoon before travelling to Berwick and then Newcastle, though however it nearly got off to a terrible start.

Scotland were playing England at rugby in the capital and Alex hadn't booked a room. Despite their taxi driver telling them they had no chance at a room, they managed to get the last room in the hotel now known as the Balmoral.

"I was a young, naïve laddie," Alex joked.

Alex was the chief electrical engineer for the central region, and he also worked on aircraft during his national service and was down the mines upon his return.

Anne was the secretary at Alva Primary School and the couple also had a coffee shop together, and a textile and wool shop.

Before a hip replacement and a few knee operations, Alex played golf for both Clackmannan and Stirling County.

The couple have seen so much of the world, it would be easier to ask which countries they haven't visited rather than those they have.

"We did it while we could," Anne said. "And I'm awfully pleased we did it."

They've been to India, China and Russia; sailed the River Nile in Egypt and have been to Tenerife 20 times. Their favourite destination at the moment is Norway, where they've been four times.

However, Alex doesn't hesitate for a second when asked what the highlight of their marriage has been – their family.

The Alva couple have two daughters, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and a full house was present to celebrate their anniversary with a cake and some light refreshments.