We’ve been married for 21 years and had more ups than downs: Rollercoaster couple keep romance on track
Pair went head over heels for each other on the big dipper
Any married couple will have ups and downs but Mark and Kathy Mulholland have enjoyed more than most.
Their first date was on a rollercoaster and Mark’s enthusiasm for big dippers has seen them travel to fairgrounds around the world during more than two decades together.
Mark, 51, an accountant, met Kathy when he was helping out at Glasgow’s famous Christmas carnival in December 1997 having blagged a job the previous year after hearing the famouswilde Maus coaster was coming from the continent.
“I was working as a manager at an accountancy firm at the time,” he said.
“The weekend before the carnival opened, I went along to the SEC car park to get some photos. I knocked on one of the caravans, met the photobooth operator and we hit it off. He ended up offering me a job working alongside him.”
Perks of Mark’s new second job included unlimited rides on the Wilde Maus – as well as the other rides – often after hours.
On a night out with his carnival colleagues, Mark met Kathy and where else were they going to go on their first date?
Mark said: “Given I was in the office during the day and working at the carnival at night, it was only natural that we had our first date there.
“I remember going on thewilde Maus, Top Gun and King Loops with her. I still had the free rides perk – that was the mean accountant in me – so we didn’t have to pay for anything that night!
‘ I knew Kathy was the one for me because, on a rollercoaster, your tummy goes all funny going down the dip. That was the feeling I got when I first met her, and still do today
“I remember winning two teddies that night, which we called Karen and Val.”
The two agreed to meet up again once the carnival was over and, in a whirlwind romance, were engaged by February.
The couple married in September 1998 and, of course, the Wilde Maus came up in Mark’s speech.
“I told everyone I knew Kathy was the one for me because, on a rollercoaster, your tummy goes all funny going down the dip.
“That was the feeling I got when I first met her, and still do today. If it wasn’t for the carnival, we wouldn’t have met.”
Kathy, 62, also remembers their first date fondly, saying: “I probably wasn’t that enthralled but I thoroughly enjoyed it! We had fun.
“There are worse hobbies to have than rollercoasters. Mark’s love of them has taken us all over the world to see them.
“It’s a bit magical, especially for the kids and seeing the look on their faces.”
The Irn- Bru Carnival, as it’s now known, is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and retains a special place in the couple’s hearts.
Mark used to go as a boy when it was in the Kelvin Hall and when they had children they took them along every year.
Now their own family is older, Mark and Kathy take their friends’ kids along every year on Christmas Eve to give their parents some time to get things ready for the big day.
“Now I’m 51 it takes its toll a wee bit more these days but it’s not really about me, it’s all about the kids,” Mark said.
“It’s about putting something back now so they can enjoy it.
“The carnival is warm and friendly and fun. You’ve got the lights and attractions, and it’s Glasgow through and through.”