60th Wedding Anniversary of Margaret and Rodger Petrie Celebrated
Midlothian residents, Margaret and Rodger Petrie, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary today on 25 September 2025.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian, Sarah Barron DL, and the Provost of Midlothian Council, Cllr Debbi McCall, visited the couple to present them with flowers to mark the special occasion.
From Dance Partners to Married Couple
It all began on the dance floor in Lasswade, where Margaret and Rodger first met. They would marry at Our Lady of Consolation RC Church in Bonnyrigg on 25th September 1965, followed by a honeymoon on the island of Jersey.
Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Blessed with three daughters - Lynn, Louise, and Nicola - they now delight in the company of six grandchildren, and two great grandchildren spread across New Zealand, England, and Bonnyrigg.
Rodger’s career began at the Scotsman Printing in Edinburgh, but his path soon led him into the RAF as an engineer, with postings in Anstruther, Germany, and Benson, Oxford. He embraced the adventure of military life, while Margaret raised their young family and even worked in the NAAFI to support the wider community.
Eventually, the pull of home brought them back to Bonnyrigg, settling just five doors down from Margaret’s mum on Eskdale Terrace.
Rodger continued his working life at Rowntree Mackintosh and later at Ross’s in Loanhead. A man of many interests, he was a keen golfer, bowler, and domino player - and even took up pigeon fancying, becoming secretary of the local club after inheriting a friend’s flock.
Margaret’s working life was rooted in care and compassion. She began at St Joseph’s Hospital and, over the years, took up caring roles in the community, working in homes across Rosewell and beyond.
Her boundless energy and joy kept her going until the age of 80, when she officially retired. However, anyone who knows Margaret knows she never really stopped, as she continues to enjoy volunteering at a charity shop on Bonnyrigg High Street. Outside of her work, Margaret enjoys curling, walking, holidays in the sun, and visiting her daughters whenever she can.
Faith remains central to their lives, and they continue to attend their local church together, just as they have for decades.
The celebrations for Margaret and Rodger will continue with a large family gathering to look forward to.
In the Picture
From right to left: Lord-Lieutenant, Sarah Barron DL; Margaret Petrie; Rodger Petrie and Midlothian Provost, Cllr Debbi McCall.