THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A sequel to the hold-up at Lochgelly has furnished a sensation in Fifeshire. On Friday night a man was taken into custody in connection with the affair. He is Alfred Armstrong, a native of Broxburn. The police had found a coat left behind at the robbery and collected sufficient information to justify his detention. Then came the story that a man had reported being assaulted near the spot where the robbery had taken place, giving rise to the theory that more than one man was implicated. All but £20 is recovered.

50 years ago

The Michael Colliery, East Wemyss, which has been closed since the disaster of September 1967, could be reopened if coal requirements of East Fife in years to come make it necessary. The consideration of the situation by the National Coal Board and the management of their Scottish north area has arisen with the estimation of coal needs from East Fife collieries. The NCB point out that no coal would be produced from the Michael before 1975 but say it is possible the colliery might be needed in the later ’70s.

25 years ago

The director of the Disaster Aid Centre (UK) was yesterday given just over a month to quit the former government radio listening station at Hawklaw, just north of Cupar. Mr Donald Barker has lost his fight to remain on the station, which he has been using as his home and as a base for charity work he claims he has carried out all over Europe and Africa. The matter came to its conclusion during a civil hearing at Cupar Sheriff Court, when the Ministry of Defence was granted a decree which allows it to repossess the property.

One year ago

Plans to create a “superschool” at Dundee’s Western Gateway have collapsed after failing to win the support of Perth and Kinross and Angus councils. The school, which would have taught children from the ages of two to 18, would have included pupils from all three local authority areas. This means all three councils need to agree on the plan for the school for it to go ahead. After an informal public consultation on the issue this month, The Courier has learned the authorities in Perth and Angus have declined to back the scheme.

100bn

The number of “rogue planets” that could be floating about in the Milky Way.