It was love at first sight for Larbert couple who met during eye surgery

WHEN Frank Marshall first spotted Nessie, she was quite literally a sight for sore eyes.

It was 1955 and Frank, from Larbert had just undergone surgery to fix a problem with his peepers.

For days, he was forced to wear bandages to aid the recovery and confined to a hospital bed. He couldn’t see a thing.

But when the dressings were eventually unravelled, Frank got the most wonderful surprise.

The nurse who removed the bandages was Nessie – the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

Frank was immediately smitten, but too shy to ask her out.

He spent the next week under Nessie’s watch, trying to summon up the courage – and failing! – to ask her out, so asked another patient to do it on his behalf.

Nessie was flattered and, realising Frank was so handsome, quickly accepted the offer.

Little did they know at the time that the unexpected encounter would lead to a lifetime together.

However, their first date was far from fancy.

It was a bus trip to Stirling for a cup of tea.

Frank was still recovering and wearing his dark glasses.

But Nessie was already convinced he too was a vision to behold and agreed to go out with him a second time.

Two dates led to three and, before Nessie knew it, Frank popped the question and asked her to be his wife.

The couple tied the knot in June, 1955, in Larbert West Church.

With Nessie losing her mother six weeks before, it was a low-key affair held in Frank’s mum’s garden, but a lovely and memorable day.

The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in London.

Telecommunications engineer Frank and Nessie went on to have two children and have spent many happy years together.

In fact, on the first of this month, they marked their diamond wedding anniversary – 60 years of wedded bliss.

Sons Frank and Scott organised a surprise party at Frank and Nessie’s house to mark the milestone.

The secret of staying together, Nessie says, is always saying sorry after an argument. Frank admits he even apologises when he’s in the right – just to keep the peace!

But Frank says he has no eye-dea what he’d do without her!