A FORMER Peebles couple returned to the town where they met for a 60th wedding anniversary celebration during the Beltane Festival.

Kenny and Rhona Scott’s soft spot for Peebles saw them travel from their home in Swansea for a family get together ahead of their diamond day on July 11.

Romance blossomed when they worked together in Litster’s photography shop in Cuddyside.

“I was 21 and she was 16 when we first met,” said Mr Scott. “I thought she was the most attractive girl I’d seen and I can’t imagine what she saw in me.

“She still looks as good as ever and I’ve been a lucky man. We’ve done well in our marriage and have done umpteen things together.” The couple were married in Manchester and have lived in Canada, London, Derbyshire and Wales as Mr Scott’s work in the textiles industry has forced him to move around constantly.

But he holds a strong affection for Peebles, having attended Halyrude and Kingsland schools and the High School. Mr Scott, 85, came to live in the town at the age of five when his father, a musician, took up a post as leader of an orchestra at the Hydro. He and his wife moved back to Peebles in 1957 - he took a job at Thorburn’s Mill - but moved again six years later when he was offered work in Canada.

During his second time in Peebles Mr Scott served for five years on the town council and was involved with the Callants Club and YMCA. His wife, 80, was a leading lady with the Innerleithen Operatic Society.

The couple’s son Michael and eldest daughter Yvonne both attended school in Peebles but the family had moved when youngest daughter Pauline was of school age.

“Michael and Yvonne both used to love taking part in the fancy dress at the Beltane and it was Yvonne who had the idea of us having the celebration in Peebles,” said Mr Scott.

“The family travelled from all over for the get together and it was fantastic to do it during Beltane week. It was made all the better by the glorious weather.

“Certainly when I was at the Beltane again it gave me a great longing for Peebles again.” Mr and Mrs Scott received a telegram from the Queen to mark their 60 years of marriage.