The couple were married on June 7, 1958, at Premnay in Aberdeenshire, having met at a dance at the hotel in the town where Jean, nee Hepburn, worked.

Jean attended Insch School and worked at the hotel for eight years, until she was married.

Her hobbies include her membership of Arbroath Indoor Bowling Club, and also family and grandchildren.

Sam was born at Ellon, and attended school at Strichen and Inverurie Academy. On leaving, he followed his father's example and went on to the land.

This was interrupted by three years with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. Almost two years of that was spent in Malaysia in the time running up to independence. He also served in Singapore.

On demob, Sam returned to the land, and the couple moved first to Laurencekirk and then to Edzell. The final move was to Fauldie Hill, Arbirlot, where Mr Barrack worked for 37 years until he retired.

His hobbies also include bowling, and he keeps the garden in order. His interests include music, and he is proud of the fact that two of his grandsons play Scottish music under the name The Barrack Brothers.

The couple had four of a family: Linda, who lives in Kelso; Aileen Wallace in Pitlochry; the late Brian; and Jayne Cartney, Arbroath. There are seven grandchildren.

Asked for the recipe for their long and happy life together, Jean and Sam were in cheerful agreement: "Give and take!"