Ellon couple celebrate diamond anniversary
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In August 1960 Walter Gill (known to many as Wattie) spotted a shy young woman, Sylvia, trying to blend in across the room at a dance in Mintlaw, and the rest is history.
The couple married on March 10, 1961, in Peterhead's Old Parish Church and are still "very very happy" together 60 years later, attributing their marital success to their love for one another along with a little bit of give and take.
They have welcomed a son and two daughters into the world, as well as four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
They have enjoyed a busy working life, with Wattie as a farm worker and Sylvia a dance teacher.
Later Wattie would take up a role at Hayhillock with John Schivas where he worked for 32 years, receiving a long service award, before moving on to work at Meadows Sports Centre and most recently as a groundsman and general handyman at Macdonald Golf Club for 10 years.
Following the couple's move to Ellon, Sylvia had worked with a creche at Meadows Sports Centre and has now worked as a waitress at Ellon Legion for 15 years.
In addition to work, the couple are well known in Ellon as well as further afield for their volunteering and willingness to always help others.
As well as being a keen blood donor, Wattie is president of Ellon Over 60s Club, a member of Ellon Bowling Club's committee and Ellon Probus Club as well as a popular entertainer for local groups and care homes.
A keen indoor bowler, Sylvia is Ellon Over 60s Club's sercetary and together the couple are regularly called upon as judges at various horticultural and agricultural shows across Scotland, especially for wines which they themselves have won top prizes for.
More than 60 years on, Wattie and Sylvia's favourite shared past time is dancing and with restrictions cancelling their party plans the couple instead celebrated with a takeaway and dancing in their living room.
