Joy for Evie and Doug
Paisley couple Douglas and Evelyn Dow are celebrating being happily married for 65 years.
Doug, 90, and Evie, 87, were presented with a message from the Queen, who congratulated them on reaching their blue sapphire anniversary milestone.
They welcomed many visitors to their home in Victoria Road on July 19, with friends, family and neighbours popping in to wish them well.
And it was a chance to reminisce for the happy couple, who were married in Aberdeenshire in 1952.
The pair met as teenagers and they were wed in their early twenties.
They soon after moved to Paisley when Doug got a job with the former Paisley Burgh police force, where he served for 30 years, rising to the rank of inspector.
Evie worked for the health board at Ross House Hospital in Hawkhead Road, until she retired at the age of 60.
The grandparents of four and great-grandparents of three moved to Glenburn in 1954, settling in one of the first police houses in the estate.
Their eldest daughter, Shona Pinkerton, 63, said her parents have enjoyed many happy years in the town.
She said: “My parents love living in Paisley and have thorougly enjoyed all the area has to offer. Both are keen bowlers and members of the Priorscroft Bowling Club, and my mum is also a member of bridge clubs in the town which she loves to attend.
“They have a lot of friends and fond memories of the town - as do my two brothers and I.
“My parents worked hard to ensure we had a good upbringing and that our lives were enriched every day.
“They are still very happy together and we are very fortunate to have had a lovely family life.”
Along with their message from the Queen, the couple were paid a visit from John Russell, who presented them with a beautiful bouquet of flowers on behalf of Renfrewshire Provost Lorraine Cameron.
Minister Go rdon Armstrong from Oakshaw Trinity Church, of which Evie and Doug are members, was also there to offer his congratulations to them, as well as Kenneth Ross, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire Council.
All the family gathered in the evening to enjoy some anniversary cake and share in special memories at daughter Shona’s house.
She added: “It was a wonderful day and my parents were thrilled by the kind visits.
“Both are very proud to have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary together.”