A PEEBLES couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary last month.

In 1962, farm worker Andrew Thomson spotted Brenda Taylor at a Scottish country dance in Bonchester Bridge.

In those days, the men and women lined up on different sides of the hall, and to this day Andrew has no regrets about crossing the floor to ask for a dance.

The pair fell in love and married in Hobkirk Manse on May 25, 1963.

Andrew was 20 and Brenda was 18.

At that time Andrew worked at Cleughead in Rulewater while Brenda worked at Harwood House for Baroness Elliot, the first woman to speak in the Lords as a member of the House.

The couple moved firstly to Bonchester Bridge, then Cardrona and Kirkburn before finally settling in Peebles to bring up their three daughters – Doreen, Joyce and Morag.

Andrew started working with the Forestry Commission and remained there for 42 years before retiring 15 years ago.

He is a keen golfer and enjoys spending time in the garden with Brenda.

They have five grandchildren, Rebecca, Eilidh, Jamie, Beth and Megan, and four great grandchildren, Billy, Isla, Marcie and Merryn.

And a fifth is due to arrive any day now.

The couple celebrated the big day with a meal at Peebles Golf Club with their family.

Andrew said: “I’ve no regrets and would happily do it all again. It’s been perfect, we were made for each other. It’s all about respecting each other and remembering that you are not always right.

“We has a lovely meal to celebrate our anniversary and one of the family arranged a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla. We are both supporters of the royal family so that was a nice surprise."

Brenda added: “I have no regrets either. We have always got on well together. It’s all about getting on with each other and not having arguments.”