The day village blazed

The Old Mill in Catrine was being demolished in 1963.

But it came down quicker than planned as, rather suspiciously, flames tore through the five- storey landmark.

The village went into lockdown and the fire a huge spectacle, spreading to Hildrich’s sweetie shop and grocers, and creating searing heat. Firemen let it burn but sprayed water on nearby premises.

This image from Stenlake Publishing, Catrine.