A SMITTEN Dalgety Bay couple are celebrating after being crowned one of the community’s longest married couples. 

Jim and Heather Forbes have been married for 43 years were chosen as the winners of Asda Dalgety Bay’s ‘longest married couple’ search ahead of Valentine’s Day.

After catching each other’s eye at Burntisland Market in 1973, the couple couldn’t resist seeing each other again soon after. It wasn’t long until Jim, who was 19 years old, and Heather, aged 18, got married at St Colomba's Parish Church Burntisland. The happy couple have stayed in Burntisland for most of their married life and have three children James, Alan and Louise as well as five grandchildren.

Not only did Jim spend 15 years as the Pipe Major to the local piping band, but he also has a number of notable achievements to his name including being crowned Fife Council Sportsperson of the year in 1984 and Burntisland's Citizen of the Year 1999.

As the winners of the competition, the duo were welcomed into store and gifted with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a selection of chocolates to enjoy on Valentine’s Day.

When asked what the secret to their success was as a couple, Heather commented: “It’s important to accept each other for what you are and keep a sense of humour!”

Lynne Harrison, Store Manager at Asda Dalgety Bay, said: “We were so happy to welcome Jim and Heather into the store to show our appreciation for their long and happy marriage.

“They are regular customers here at Asda Dalgety Bay so it’s good to see that the pair still love each other as much as the day they first met.”