Allan and Elizabeth Bradshaw, who first met as teenagers and were married in 1966, have marked their 60th wedding anniversary at their home in Cambuslang.
From school acquaintances to six decades together
The two met while attending secondary school but only began courting after they left education. They tied the knot at the Old Kirk in Kilmacolm on 25 June 1966, both aged 24. Over the years the couple raised four children and have maintained a strong interest in travel.
Civic recognition for a milestone
To mark the Diamond anniversary, the couple received a surprise visit from South Lanarkshire’s Interim Provost, Bert Thomson, who brought a basket of flowers, a card and a framed certificate on behalf of the council. Also present was Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Alexander (Sandy) Wilkie, who delivered a certificate from The King and Queen in recognition of the occasion.
- Celebration location: Cambuslang home
- Wedding date: 25 June 1966
- Family: four children
- Civic visitors: Interim Provost and Deputy Lieutenant
Life together — work, study and travel
Elizabeth (née Montgomery) grew up in Kilmacolm and Allan in Barrhead. Both attended Camphill School in Paisley, where they first crossed paths. Allan travelled widely from a young age, hitchhiking around Europe from 16, and later continuing journeys across the continent on a scooter with Elizabeth. One memorable trip was a visit to the Colosseum in Rome.
Before starting a family Elizabeth worked for the Inland Revenue while Allan took up an engineering career at Honeywell Control Systems in Newhouse, a post he held for 35 years after completing his degree at Strathclyde University. The family lived in Hamilton for a period before settling in Cambuslang in 1975.
Travelling with family and a spell in the United States
When Allan was seconded to Pennsylvania the family spent two years in the United States, using camping trips to explore much of the country — visiting 43 of the 50 states during that time. Their wanderlust eased somewhat when children were young but resumed when opportunities allowed.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Anniversary | Diamond (60 years) |
| Wedding date | 25 June 1966 |
| Marriage location | Old Kirk, Kilmacolm |
| Children | Four |
Residents who wish to request a civic visit in recognition of a Diamond Wedding anniversary or a 100th birthday are encouraged to contact the Provost’s Office at South Lanarkshire Council for guidance on how to apply.
The visit to the Bradshaws highlights the council’s continued practice of acknowledging long-standing milestones among the county’s older residents, bringing civic representatives into the community to mark personal achievements.
