THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

An accident has occurred at Arbroath cliffs which, it is feared, will have a fatal termination. A boy named Alexander Blair, aged 14 years, and who resides with his mother at 32 Ladyloan, went out to the cliffs along with his brother John, aged 18, for the purpose of searching for gulls’ eggs. Near Auchmithie, at Geyletpots, Alexander lost his footing and was precipitated onto the rocks below, falling a distance of about 30 feet. His brother found him unconscious and he is in a very critical condition in hospital.

50 years ago

Mr William K. Fitzgerald, Hon. City Treasurer for the past three years, was installed as Dundee’s new Lord Provost at the “appointments” meeting of the Town Council. His election to the civic chair went through without opposition, as did that of Mr Len Johnston as City Treasurer. Before the meeting got down to the appointments, the Socialists had suggested that, in view of the finely-balanced state of the major parties, the entire Town Council should resign and make way for a general municipal election.

25 years ago

Birdwatchers from all over Scotland took advantage of yesterday’s public holiday to catch sight of some of the birds which have come in over the past few days. Hundreds arrived at Loch Leven to see a little egret which has been doing a tour of the east coast. Over the past few days it has also been seen at Montrose Basin. Yesterday, the white bird, about the size of a heron, was giving the visitors to the RSPB Vane Farm Visitor Centre a grandstand view. Flocks of pinkfooted and greylag geese were also seen.

One year ago

Fruit farmers should use more machinery to pick their crops instead of relying on foreign labour, the UK Government’s Brexit secretary has said. On a trip to Angus, Steve Barclay defended a controversial trial scheme to bring 2,500 migrant workers from outside the EU to work on farms, but said investment in technology is also key. He said: “We have the scheme in place. There are various factors that affect the supply of workers. What’s happening with the currency...and what’s happening with the wider economy.”