A DEVOTED Gourock couple who were married for more than 50 years have died only weeks apart.

Ronnie and Margaret Watts passed passed away within just 18 days of each other, with their heartbroken family having to arrange two funeral services this month at Greenock Crematorium.

Family and friends paid their respects to Mr Watt, 81, the retired head of automobile engineering at James Watt College and a well known musician, last week.

They returned on Wednesday to attend the funeral of his wife, who was two years younger, and had been seriously ill in Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

The couple met in the early 60s at a dance where Ronnie and The Checkers had been the band.

The couple tied the knot at Old Gourock Parish Church in 1964.

They lived most of their life in Gourock and brought up their son Stuart and daughter Pauline there and Mrs Watt was active in the church even after the pair retired to Largs.

In his eulogy tribute their son Stuart recalled that the band once shared the bill in Inverness with the Silver Beatles in 1960, before they changed the name.

Paul McCartney famously borrowed Ronnie's prize guitar that night but the local man refused to sell it to him.

Ronnie was extremely skilful in making and renovating things, particularly in automobile technology and he taught many local garage apprentices.

Stuart told the congregation: "He had lots of cars but only a few engines but was proud of a Singer Vogue vehicle which he displayed at classic car shows. He also enjoyed taking the family, myself and sister Pauline on many caravan holidays where as a knowledgeable ornithologist he would identify birds by their colour and song."

Ronnie's other passions were sailing the Clyde, going on fishing trips and making wine out of blackcurrants and gooseberries which his friends humourously referred to as 'rocket fuel'.

The pair were enthusiastic dancers at the Willowbank Hotel until Ronnie's health deteriorated.

Son Stuart told the congregation that over the last few years his mum had cared for his father so that he could stay at home.

He said: "They are both still together."