From our files:

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO June 28 1991

A83 closed by tar trap

TRAVELLERS, goods and mail between Campbeltown and Glasgow faced an extra 25 miles with a detour around Dalmally and Crianlarich this week after closure of the A83 route from Inveraray to Arrochar because of melted tarmac.

Many holidaymakers were among those who were bogged down all day after a three-mile stretch of the A83 at Cairndow, newly tarred and gritted on Monday night, began to melt about 10.30am on Tuesday.

Police at Inveraray estimated that about 80 vehicles were immobilised with the black sludge and grit as it solidified on their tyres before the road could be closed.

The tarred-up cars, caravans and lorries were corralled into the yard of Loch Fyne oyster farm to await steam cleaning equipment being sent by Roads Direct from Glasgow.

They were still waiting there at least eight hours later but some vehicles made it to Inveraray, where the fire brigade hosed down their tyres.

FIFTY YEARS AGO June 30 1966

Wrong man banned from dances

CAMPBELTOWN Town Council is to apologise for a clerical error which dubbed a man a trouble-maker.

Mr John McGeachy was informed by letter that as a result of his ‘recent conduct’ in the Victoria Hall he was to be banned for four months from functions both there and in the Town Hall.

The letter made Mr McGeachy hopping mad. He had not been to a dance in the Victoria Hall for more than two years.

The letter ‘blacklisting’ Mr McGeachy - although his name is John, he is better known as Ian - was sent to his home at 71 Meadows Avenue, Campbeltown.

It said: ‘Further to your recent conduct within the Victoria Hall I have to inform you that you are now officially banned from participating in all public entertainments within the Town Hall and the Victoria Hall for the period to October 15, 1966.’

Mr McGeachy said at the weekend: ‘I was both amazed and blazing mad at first, but I saw the funny side of it later. It is lucky I have got an understanding wife and do not go out at weekends.’

ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO June 24 1916

Cycles for clergymen

The value of a bicycle to a clergyman, especially to one in charge of a rural district, is being recognised more and more every year.

A typical instance is provided in a letter from the Rev. E. Davies, of Gorig, Llandyssul, who writes that, though he is over 17-stones in weight, he has ridden his Raleigh ‘for over five years, and it is as good now as when new.’