A KILWINNING couple who recently celebrated their platinum wedding anniversary have received a card of congratulations from the Queen.

Hugh Elliott, 91, and Ellen McColm, 90, marked their 70th anniversary on January 5 having got married in 1951 at the United Free Church in Stevenston.

However, due to coronavirus restrictions, there was no big party to mark the occasion, but they did get a telegram from the Queen.

Mrs Elliott told the Herald: “I could not believe it when I received the card.

“The postwoman came to the door and handed me this navy blue envelope and inside it was another envelope from the Queen.

“It said Mr and Mrs Hugh Elliott and it had the coat of arms on it and when I opened it, it was a big shock but a very nice one. The card is lovely and I have it up at the window.

“I phoned my daughter and said I got a card from Elizabeth and she said I don’t know who that is and when I told her it was the Queen. She could not believe it.

“We had nothing planned because of lockdown. Hugh took a stroke last year so he is getting care for that and is recovering well.”

The happy couple first met in 1947 before marrying four years later.

They have two children, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Mrs Elliott said: “We met on the bus coming back from the Metropole in Glasgow in 1947. A lady had taken my seat on the way back and Hugh came down and very kindly offered me his seat and the rest is history.

“We have had a lot of memories together. Both of us like dancing and we have spent a lot of time dancing over the years.

“We have two children who have worked very hard and did very well and we have five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.”

Asked what the secret to a long and happy marriage is Mrs Elliott added: “You have got to come and go with each other. We always worked together , went out together and had a happy enough time dancing.”