Diamond Wedding Celebration for Jim and Maria Preston
Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall and the Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian Sarah Barron visited Jim and Maria Preston at their home in Dalkeith on Monday to mark a remarkable milestone – their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.
Wed as teenagers
Jim and Maria, of 65 Hawk Crescent, Dalkeith, celebrated 60 years of marriage on 2 October 2025, having wed at Newtongrange Church in 1965 when Jim was 19 and Maria just 18. To honour this special occasion, the Provost and Lord-Lieutenant presented the couple with flowers and a congratulatory message from His Majesty The King.
A life of adventure
Jim, originally from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, grew up in Newtongrange as the eldest of six siblings. After starting as an apprentice bricklayer, he joined the Army at 18, serving for 23 years and rising to the rank of Captain Quartermaster. His military career took the family across the UK and abroad, including Germany, Cyprus, and the Shetland Isles. After retiring from the Army, Jim worked for 20 years as a Senior Security Supervisor at the Bank of England’s printing works in Essex before returning to Dalkeith in 2007.
Love blossomed
Maria (née Torrance) grew up in Cousland and Gowkshill and worked for Letts Diaries in Kippielaw. One of nine children, Maria remains close to her sisters, who all live locally. Jim and Maria first met at the Dalkeith BBQ in 1963, famously featuring Acker Bilk in the marquee, and their romance blossomed through letters while Jim was serving in the Army.
Two sons
The couple raised two sons, Michael and Roy. Sadly, Michael passed away in 1989 aged 22, while Roy now lives in Newtongrange and works as a bus driver. Jim and Maria are proud grandparents and great-grandparents, keeping in close touch with family in Yorkshire. Both enjoy travelling and cruising, making the most of their retirement years.
A wonderful achievement
Provost Debbi McCall said: “It’s an absolute privilege to celebrate Jim and Maria’s Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Sixty years of marriage is a wonderful achievement, and their story reflects a lifetime of love, resilience, and family. On behalf of Midlothian, I wish them continued happiness together.”
An inspiration
Lord Lieutenant of Midlothian Mrs Sarah Barron added: “Reaching a Diamond Wedding Anniversary is a truly special occasion. Jim and Maria’s journey together is inspiring, and it is an honour to present His Majesty The King’s message and join in celebrating their remarkable life together.”