Diamond wedding milestone celebrated with royal congratulations

A Gorebridge couple who have shared six decades of marriage were delighted to receive special visitors as they celebrated their Diamond Wedding anniversary.

Congratulations from His Majesty

Midlothian Councillor Ellen Scott, on the left, and Depute Lord Lieutenant Harriet Dalrymple visited Wallace and Susan Clark at their home in Birkenside to present them with a congratulatory message and flowers on behalf of His Majesty The King and Midlothian Council.

Cafe encounter

The couple, who married on 2 July 1966 at Stobhill Parish Church in Gorebridge, first met two years earlier after Susan moved to the village from East Lothian. Their first encounter was at the local Rossi family café, beginning a relationship that has stood the test of time.

Working life

Wallace, 83, was born and raised in Gorebridge and spent much of his working life as a coal miner until the pits closed. He later worked as a traffic warden with Lothian and Borders Police before becoming a familiar face in Newtongrange as a school crossing guide (lollipop man), a role he continued until the age of 75. Susan, 79, worked at Duncan's chocolate factory in Edinburgh before starting a family and later returned to work when their daughter Gillian was older.

Tattie Row

The couple first lived in Victoria Street, known locally as "Tattie Row", where they welcomed Gillian in 1967. After moving to McLean Place, they settled in Birkenside in 1972 and have remained there ever since.

Family pride

Now proud grandparents to Jamie and Erin, Wallace and Susan continue to enjoy family life. Gillian's husband, Dougie Hall is like a son to them. Wallace, who loved to fish, remains a keen gardener, growing his own vegetables, while Susan enjoyed holidays and days out. 

Lifetime of shared memories

Their Diamond Wedding anniversary marks not only 60 years of marriage, but a lifetime of shared memories, dedication and love rooted in the Gorebridge community.