THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The annual meeting of the Perthshire Bowling Association was held in Perth, Mr R.W. Gibb presiding. The balance-sheet showed a balance in favour of the Association of £7 1s 11d. It was reported that as the result of the drawing competition, for which Mr T.N. Tasker, Blairgowrie, presented two gold medals, a sum of £58 1s 7d was realised. Instructions were given to the committee to distribute the money among charities in the county. Arrangements were made for the season’s competitions.

50 years ago

Miss Catriona Tough, who works on a Stirling farm, was last night crowned “Pinta Princess” in Perth. Catriona (20), was one of 18 finalists in the competition. More than 1,000 people turned up at Perth City Hall to enjoy a variety show, with the crowning of the princess the highlight of the evening. The winner comes from a farming family and works on the farm owned by her parents, Gartincaber, Plean. Born in Stirling, she is particularly interested in handcrafts and drama.

25 years ago

A Scottish animal handler gored to death by a male elephant at a safari park was probably killed because the huge beasts thought he was a rival bull. Zoo keeper Douglas Robertson (37), from Stirling, was attacked as horrified tourists watched from their cars at a safari park in Belgium. Mr Robertson, known as Toddy, was walking with elephants through the grounds when 13-year-old Ben suddenly knocked him to the ground. Staff feel that Ben was challenging Toddy but meant him no harm.

One year ago

“Scunnered” Fife rail passengers will not be getting cut price fares, despite a petition signed by 1,100 people. Transport Minister Michael Matheson has rejected a call to intervene and reduce fares on the Fife Circle by at least 30% as compensation for months of chaos. Although he acknowledged the current Scotrail service could be “frustrating”, he said any reduction in regulated fares would have a significant impact on the taxpayer. The minister broke the news in a letter to local MP Lesley Laird.

£75m

The cost of the rescue scheme to fly stranded Britons home.