Special Blue Sapphire anniversary celebrations for local couple
A West Lothian couple have been celebrating an amazing 65 years of married life together.
Rab and Isobel Donaldson were married in Armadale West Church on 5 December 1957, and lived in the town for over 60 years, first in Mayfield Drive then Anderson Avenue.
They recently moved to Peacock Nursing Home in Eliburn together, where they marked their special day with a letter from King Charles III.
They were also visited by West Lothian's Depute Provost Peter Heggie, Depute Lord Lieutenant Caroline Maclachlan and George Watson from Masonic Lodge 1587, Livingston
Rab worked in the Easton coalmine and the Telegraph Condenser Company, both Bathgate, followed by the Cummins engine plant in Shotts.
A keen gardener who frequently presented his begonias at the local flower shows, he also worked as a gardener for D.B. Marshalls in Newbridge before he retired. Rab was also active in his local masonic lodges, and was known for breeding and showing canaries.
Isobel (nee Hales) was a homemaker for the couple's two children, Robert junior, who served in the army and now lives in Derby, and Kenneth, who emigrated to Canada.
She enjoyed knitting, crochet and cross stitch, and also volunteered to help elderly people in the local community whenever they needed it.
