A BORDERS couple have toasted a double celebration this week after clocking up a pair of milestones.

Jim Dyer and his wife Margaret, of Peebles, marked 65 years of marriage on June 16 – the same day that Jim turned 90.

"It's a case of loving to live together,” said Jim. “And there's been nothing closer than the last 15 weeks,” he joked.

The coronavirus pandemic scuppered the couple’s hopes of meeting up with their 57-year-old son Nigel, who lives in Aberdeen.

But Mr and Mrs Dyer have spent their anniversary week “talking about memories”, according to Jim.

"You could be in worse places than Peebles,” he said.

Border Telegraph: Margaret and Jim Dyer celebrated two milestones in Peebles on June 16, 2020. Photo: Helen BarringtonMargaret and Jim Dyer celebrated two milestones in Peebles on June 16, 2020. Photo: Helen Barrington

Jim and Margaret met in the mid-1940s when Jim began an engineering apprenticeship at the same Motherwell company Margaret worked for.

Jim also spent time as a marine reserve until 1953, going on to tie the knot with Margaret in 1955.

"I don't regret a minute,” Jim told the Border Telegraph. "She's a wonderful girl.”

Jim's career in engineering took him and Margaret around the world – including Australia, Africa, Canada and Chile – before Jim took early retirement from the Anglo American Corporation in 1986.

The couple have lived in Peebles for 34 years, where they say they are "happy being part of the community".

When asked for the secret to a successful 65-year marriage, Jim said: "Consideration, compassion, an awareness that no two people are alike.

"And love – we loved each other, and still do.

"I believe love makes the world go round, and is given by the life force of God.

"I'm not a religious person but I have a faith."

On their partnership today, Jim described himself as “very fortunate”, adding: "We care for each other – I'm her memory and she's my eyes.”