A THREE Towns couple will be celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on Friday, May 31.

Morag Alison Mcbride Cotter, 70, grew up in Stevenston with William (Willie) Fergus Mckinlay, 72, raised in Saltcoats.

The pair, who now reside in Stevenston, first met back in 1971 "at the dancing" held at the former Ingeldene in Ardrossan when they were aged just 17 and 19 respectively.

Little did they know they were both working at ICI at the same time just in different departments in Nobel House.

From that first meeting their romance blossomed and they got engaged the following year before wedding at Ardeer Parish Church on May 31, 1974, before a reception at the Towns Hotel in Prestwick.

They have lived a long and happy married life since then - even if their work would become separate from each other's.

Morag would go on to work as a carer at Abotsford and Arran View care homes before moving into the role where she will be best remembered for.

For 22 years she was a clerical assistant at Auchenharvie Academy, which was convenient for the couple's children Fiona and Ross who would always appear at the office window for something!

Willie continued to work at the ICI for 27 years before moving to Hunterston Port, then Terset in Paisley and finally GE Caledonian next to Prestwick Airport.

He worked there for 17 years, alongside his auld pal Brian Brogan, until Willie retired.

Outside their working life, the pair have always looked forward to their annual getaways exploring the oceans and islands - with firm favourites being cruises, Tenerife and Arran.

Morag and Willie also enjoying time with their children Fiona and Ross and now their grandchildren Lucy, Jack, Fraser and Rona.

The family have plans for a lowkey celebration, a family dinner at the Seamill Hydro, to mark the couple's 50th wedding anniversary - as they say Morag is still recovering from her surprise 70th birthday party at the Lauriston Hotel back in March. 

When asked about what are the secrets to a happy marriage, Morag said it was that "she was always right", and Willie admitted "the wife is always right!"

As the couple prepare to celebrate the occasion, their family sent a message to the golden couple.

They said: "We would like wish Mum and Dad, Gran and Papa, a massive congratulations on their 50th Wedding anniversary, and look forward to celebrating with you both on the day!

"Love and best wishes from us all."