A local couple who got married on April Fool’s Day have shared their top tips for staying together this Valentine’s Day - always have a good sense of humour.

Andrew (Eddie) Mckenzie, 80, and wife Rita Mckenzie (née Downes), 79, believe they can give couples of all ages some sound advice from their almost 60 years together and say laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy matrimony.

Eddie and Rita first set eyes on each other in Edinburgh where Rita was on holiday visiting from Hinckley, England and Eddie was on a night off from training for the British Army. The two of them bumped into each other as Eddie, who is originally from Inverness, was leaving a bar. Eddie, thought Rita was gorgeous and didn’t hold back from telling her so. But Rita wasn’t impressed and walked away.

It wasn’t until later that evening after coincidently ending up at the same dance together that the lovebirds were able to get to know each other. After the dance, Eddie realised he didn’t have enough money for his bus fare back to the army camp. Rita bailed him out and the rest is history.

Eddie and Rita have two children together, Carol and Anne, and two grandchildren, Steven and Victoria. Eddie and Rita will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary this April.

This year, the doting pair are celebrating Valentine’s Day at Culduthel Care Home, where they have both lived together since May 2019.

Denise Scott care home manager of Culduthel Care Home said: “It’s lovely to have Eddie and Rita live with us in Culduthel and see how they are still so devoted to each other. They really look after each other - Rita always makes sure Eddie has enough sweeties and Eddie’s sense of humour is wonderful. He always makes sure that Rita, as well as all other residents and staff, are happy and entertained.  

“It’s lovely to have such a real example of true love with us at the home on Valentine’s Day so to help them celebrate we are organising a special meal for Eddie and Rita to enjoy together.”

Culduthel Care Home, located in Inverness, is run by Meallmore and provides excellent standards of care for its residents.