Port Seton: Willie and Beth McDonald toast diamond anniversary

Willie McDonald and his wife Beth (née Flockhart) were married on August 24, 1963 at Chalmers Memorial Church in the village, holding their reception at the Tranmare Hotel in Tranent before honeymooning in Jersey.

Willie was born in Morrison’s Haven, Prestongrange, the youngest of a large family. He then grew up on North Grange Avenue, Prestonpans.

Beth was born and bred in the village and the two lived in Port Seton together after they got married.

The couple had two children, Gordon and Karen (now Kidd), who both still live in Cockenzie and Port Seton.

Willie and Beth McDonald on their wedding day

Through Karen, Willie and Beth have two grandchildren, Abbie and Mary, who they call the “apple of their eyes”.

An electrical engineer, Willie’s work took him across the globe, and he, Beth and Gordon lived in Lusaka, Zambia, for three years, before returning to Port Seton in the early 1970s.

There they set up home on Links Court, where they have been since 1973.

Willie launched his own firm, McDonald Associates, working as a building services engineer until his retirement in 2007.

Beth was a domestic supervisor at the Eastern General Hospital, a job daughter Karen said her mum “loved”, as well as looking after the home and the family.

Socially, the couple have a “second home” at Cockenzie & Port Seton Bowling Club, where they are both past presidents.

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Karen said: “My dad was made an honorary past president a few years ago – something they are both very proud of!”

She added that Beth still manages to get out on the green from time to time.

Willie was diagnosed with leukaemia 18 years ago and was given only three days to live – but he overcame the odds to get the all-clear.

A few years ago he found out he had bladder cancer but once again battled back to health.

Karen described him as a cat with nine lives!

She said: “He’s come through both and has had the all-clear. His body has been impacted quite a bit but he’s here and he’s a happy soul.”

Asked the secret to their happy marriage, Karen said she thought it was “patience and humour”.

She added: “It’s not been easy, especially over the last 18 years with my dad’s ill health, but they keep smiling and are both completely delighted to have reached this remarkable milestone.”

The family celebrated with a meal at home, and the couple wished to thank their friends and family for the cards, flowers, gifts and messages of love.

They were also delighted to receive a card from King Charles and Queen Camilla.