A COUPLE from Haldane celebrated 50 wonderful years by the Loch together at the weekend with a small party in The Stables Restaurant, Balloch.

Andrew and Margaret McAllister were surprised by friends and family with a Golden Wedding Anniversary party on Saturday, January 14. There was also a visit from Provost McAllister, the provost this time having a familial connection to the couple, being Andrew's cousin.

Having at least two nights a week at The Stables for tea, it was the perfect place for family and friends to surprise Andrew and Margaret with a cake and gifts.

The couple have always been very private, so they truly were surprised by the party. Margaret told the Reporter: “The party was marvellous, I'm a very private person, I don't like making a big fuss but I had a wonderful time with my family and everyone there.

“Andrew had a great time too, typical man!"

The golden pair have always lived near Loch Lomond with their two sons, Andrew and Jason. Now grown, Andrew is engaged to Carol, who herself has two sons, and Jason is married to Leeann and they have a daughter named Cara.

The family fondly look back on good times spent on the banks. Andrew and Andrew Jnr now own a cruiser which they enjoy taking out.

Margaret added: “We met down in Balloch and we got married a few years later and that was that. Not much else to it than that really. Like I say, we don't make a big fuss."

Andrew has worked in John Browns and Marathon Oil and spent his entire working life on the Clyde. He was a blacksmith working on the great ships like the QE2 and still to this day does little jobs for people.

Margaret, who is not in great health at the moment, worked for the Council for many years in a care home.

On the key to making it to 50 years together, Margaret said: “The key is to trust one another and tell each other what you think. That's really what it boils down to, trust and honesty. Not really a secret though I suppose!”

They are well loved by all the family. Andrew’s sisters Patsy and Margaret also celebrated with them on Saturday. Margaret has a sister, May, who is poorly and was unable to be with them.