Brora globetrotting couple Isobel and Ian Christie celebrate 65th wedding anniversary

A couple who both grew up in Brora have just celebrated their Blue Sapphire wedding anniversary, marking 65 years of married life together.

Isobel and Ian Christie have lived all over the world since they tied the knot in March 1960 after meeting on Hogmanay.

The following year saw Ian amongst the last batch of young men who faced compulsory conscription into the military.

After initially finding life in the RAF a shock to the system, he came to enjoy it so much that he opted to stay on and ended up serving for 25 years.

Isobel (83) and Ian (87) started off in married quarters when he was posted to RAF Kinloss in 1982, but opted to buy a home in the Moray town of Forres because they liked the area so much.

However, the next chapter would then see the beginning of their globe-hopping adventures.

Ian joined the Foreign Office to work in security and, in 1987, the couple moved to the Polish capital Warsaw for three years.

It was an era that encompassed a major turning point in history – the fall of communism across eastern Europe.

Afterward they then went to Havana in Cuba, which Isobel cites as her personal favourite of all the places abroad where they lived.

She says: “I’ve long lost count of how many different houses we’ve stayed in over the years, but I liked Havana very much.”

From there the pair were posted, in chronological order, to Athens, Bonn, Berlin and Dublin.

Ian’s career with the Foreign Office finally drew to a close in 2002 following a stint in Moscow.

The couple have been ensconced at their present home near the Mosset Burn in Forres since 2017.

Their son Kelvin, their three grandchildren Mark, Leanne, Jack, plus their three great-grandchildren Oscar (12), Emilia (8) and Finlay (6), all live within a few miles.

Five years ago, when they celebrated their 60th anniversary, they had planned a get-together for dozens of family members and friends.

However the onset of Covid meant this had to be cancelled at the 11th hour.

A similar event is now being planned for some point in the near future.

Ian, a former scratch golfer, is still a devoted fan of Brora Rangers and travels up north for every home game.

Alan James, a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Moray, was amongst the well-wishers who called in at the couple’s home on Tuesday, to mark their 65th anniversary.

Asked what the secret is for staying together for so long, Isobel replied: “You have to stick at things.

“It’s a different world now from when we were married in 1960. Nowadays you hear of folk getting divorced within a year.

“Like every other married couple in the world we’ve had our share of ups and downs, but it’s turned out very well. ”

Ian agrees. With a smile he said: “I wouldn’t underestimate the value of a good argument occasionally. You can always make up again afterwards.”

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