Solicitor died when he was knocked down by a car on the way to his office

An elderly solicitor – who lived in Doune – died shortly after he was knocked down by a car.

The accident involving 83-year-old Mr James A McLean, of Messrs McLean and Stewart, happened in Stirling as he made his way back to his office following lunch at Miss Laidlaw’s nearby restaurant.

The Observer of October, 1929, said: `A motor car was standing on the street in front of the restaurant and Mr McLean in crossing the road behind this vehicle failed to observe the approach of another motor car proceeding south, with the result he was knocked down. The driver of the car, Mr Morrison Corstorphine, was helpless to prevent the accident.’

On being examined by Dr McFarlane, it was found Mr McLean had suffered a fracture to his leg, below the knee; injured shoulder and a head wound. He was taken to Stirling Royal Infirmary but died there a few days later as a result of his injuries. Mr McLean was clerk in the burgh of Doune.

Meanwhile, the Observer reported an outbreak of diphtheria in Gartmore. Six people were taken to hospital including a mother and two children from the same family. Others affected came from three different households. Reports suggested those in hospital were progressing towards a recovery.

The Observer of October, 1929, also reported that the price in Stirling of a 4lb loaf had been reduced by a halfpenny to the new price of nine and half pence. This had happened automatically as bread prices were based on a sliding scale linked to flour prices. The lowest price since World War One had occurred in 1923-24 when loaves coast eight and a halfpence, while the highest price since the conflict was 11 pence.

John Campbell, proprietor of the Empire Bar, Bannockburn, was found dead there. The Observer of October, 1929, reported that Mr Campbell’s body was found around 8.30am by his wife. An hour earlier, Mr Campbell had left his home, which was above the bar, and at that time seemed in good health. He said he was going to start cleaning in the pub. Mr Campbell was from Muiravonside and had been in the pub trade for four years. He was popular with all who knew him.