Girvan couple celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss

Oct 10 2008 by Edwin Lawrence, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

THEY were married in a simple ceremony in a family home.

And they’re still smiling after an amazing 70 years together.

That’s John and Jean McLeod, who have celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary.

The couple were wed in Jean’s family home in Girvan in 1938.

Jean, who will be 94 next week, is a niece of the late Provost James Miller of Girvan.

But she recalls her Uncle Jimmy was just seven years older.

And if he were alive Jimmy would today be 100.

John, who will be 93 in January, is a butcher to trade, working many years for Alex Gilchrist in Girvan.

Jean remembers: “John did the country runs in the butcher’s van.

“And eventually opened his own business in Barrhill.”

John and Jean have two children, Alex and Isobel.

And on retiring they moved to Kilmarnock to be nearer their family.

Anna Joanna Adam, Deputy Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, delivered a card from the Queen.

East Ayrshire’s Provost Stephanie Young also congratulated the couple.

And they were joined by their family for an anniversary meal.

If you’re wondering about the medallion round John’s neck it’s a family joke.

Jean said: “After 60 years together, for our Diamond Wedding, John said he should get a medal.

“I said I should get one too, and our daughter Isobel went out and bought them for us.”