Southend couple celebrate six decades of devotion

The ceremony was conducted by Rev James W Hood at Lorne Street Church, followed by a wedding breakfast at the Argyll Arms Hotel in Campbeltown – a venue that played a special role in their celebrations 60 years later.

Willie, aged 80, and 79-year-old Margaret gathered with their family on Tuesday evening for a celebratory meal at the hotel, returning to the place where their married life together began. 

The occasion was made even sweeter with two beautifully decorated anniversary cakes made by Argyll Bakeries, as well as a congratulatory card from the King and Queen.

The couple also received a special message – and even a song – from singer Paula McAskill, whose music they enjoy listening to on bus tours to the Caledonia Hotel in Fort William.

Willie was born in Machribeg Cottage in Southend and, in a touching twist of fate, the couple now live just two doors away from his birthplace. Margaret was born at Craigard Maternity Unit in Campbeltown.

It was in the town that their love story began, at a dance in the Victoria Hall.

Together they have built a close and devoted family. They are parents to daughter Wilma McCormick and her husband David, and son Calum MacMillan and his wife Michelle.

They are proud ‘Granny and Granda’ to grandsons Mark McCormick and his wife Caitlin, Alan McCormick and his wife Claire, and granddaughters Sienna and Laila MacMillan. 

The family circle has grown further with great-grandsons Finlay and Ruaridh McCormick and great-granddaughter Niamh McCormick, and they look forward to welcoming another great-grandchild in May.

Hard work and dedication have been central to both their lives. As a young man, Willie worked as a farm labourer before becoming greenkeeper at Dunaverty Golf Club, a position he held for 42 years until his retirement. 

He took immense pride in his work, often waking in the early hours during the summer months to water the greens and ensure his beloved course was always presented at its very best.

Margaret also had a strong work ethic, working at the fruit market and creamery before joining Campbeltown Hospital, where she served for more than 20 years as domestic supervisor until she retired.

Even in retirement, Willie and Margaret remain devoted to their family and are always ready to lend a hand at a moment’s notice.

Asked about the secret to 60 happy years of marriage, they said simply: “A lot of tolerance and riding life’s ups and downs together.”