A born and bred Largs couple have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, writes Drew Cochrane.

Former North Ayrshire Provost Bobby Rae and wife Joan, hosted a gathering of family and friends at their home to toast 50 years of marriage.

The couple, who met at Largs High School in the 1960s, were married at St Columba's Parish Church of Scotland on June 24, 1966, a few years after Bobby invited Joan to accompany him to the Scotts' Cricket Club dinner dance at the former Largs Hotel on the seafront.

Although Bobby sailed around the world with the Merchant Navy he would meet up with Joan when she worked with IBM in London.

"He used to wine and dine me in nice London restaurants" Joan recalled.

However, they moved back to Largs to marry and bought one of the houses which was being built in Millburn Gardens, prior to moving to Moorburn Road and then their present home with a sea view at Boathouse Road where they have resided for more than 30 years.

Bobby worked for Shell in Glasgow and, in early retirement, was elected as the first SNP councillor in North Ayrshire over 20 years ago.

For years he was the only Nationalist councillor, representing Largs and Millport, but as his party grew in support he was appointed Provost in the early part of the millennium with Joan as 'first lady.'

Joan was manager of National Provincial, Abbey National and Santander in Largs while also featuring in many dramatic productions for Largs Players.

When Bobby had to retire from local politics after suffering a brain haemorrhage, Joan stood for the community council of which she was the independent chair for several years, with her daughter Jacqui McAllister as secretary.

The couple suffered a terrible tragedy in 1988 when son Jonathan was one of two local schoolboys killed in a car accident in the Brisbane Glen.

"It is the worst thing that can ever happen to you. We never got over it." said Joan.

The couple who were both baptised at the parish church also became Elders of the Kirk Session.

When asked about their successful marriage Joan, who cares for Bobby since his devastating illness, gave a one word answer....compromise.

They have two grandchildren, Caitlin and Robbie.