For most of his married life there has been another love in Stewart McKiddie’s life.
Now that love is out in the open as he celebrates the 50th birthday of his faithful, four-wheeled friend.
The retired civil engineer, of Wormit, has owned his beloved MGB Roadster for 43 years, just four less than he has been wed to Maureen.
He still runs around in the 1963 motor today.
To mark the sports car’s special milestone, Mr McKiddie threw a party to which he invited mechanics from local garage Stanford Motors who have kept it in roadworthy condition over the years.
Mr McKiddie said: “I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time. The car is part of the family. It is 50, I turned 70 this year and I’ve been married for 47 years so I think we are doing quite well.”
Mr McKiddie bought the car for about £400 in 1970 when he lived in London and his children Lister and Kirsten were only four and two.
Although it has only two seats, he used to fit in the whole family and his parents.
The family often used to drive all the way from London to Scotland in it, with the children perched on a back shelf in times when there were less vehicles on the road and wearing seatbelts was not the law.
Over the years he has loyally maintained the vehicle, which has 146,000 miles on the clock.
He said: “I don’t cherish and polish it, I just make sure I keep it going. I try to take it out every week, driving to the golf and things like that.
“Old cars like to be used, they don’t like to be neglected, otherwise they protest and won’t start.”
MGB Roadsters of that era remain fairly common but Mr McKiddie said: “I don’t think there are many people who have had one for 43 years. It might not be in the best condition but it may be one of the most original. It has its original engine, gearbox, back axle and wheels, although the wheels are a bit rusty.”
Can you beat Stewart’s 43-year motoring love affair? Let us know below or email online@thecourier.co.uk.