THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A Dundee jute combine, involving a huge capital and having widespread interests, has been formed. It has been brought about by the purchase of all the ordinary shares of three large jute companies and the business of a private firm viz. Thomas Bell & Sons, Belmont and Heathfield Works; Gilroy Sons & Co, Tay Works and Harry Walker & Sons, Caldrum Works. The fourth business acquired is that of Messrs John N. Kyd & Co, Walton and Rashiewell Works. The deal is by a syndicate headed by Clarence Hatry.

50 years ago

Members of Fife Fire Area Joint Committee yesterday expressed grave concern at the dangers of children smoking and playing with matches. During August there were five instances of firemen being called out after youngsters started fires. Total damage caused was over £7,000, but the largest portion was attributed to a blaze at Stratheden Farm, Cupar Muir, where two boys smoking in a dutch barn set light to baled hay. Damage was estimated at £6,970. The danger of matches had to be stressed committee members said.

25 years ago

A former Scottish Crime Squad detective from Fife who recently featured on the BBC’S Frontline Scotland programme and as a valuer on the Antiques Road Show, has used his 15 years of experience in the police to write a series of short stories based on the funniest moments of his career. Mr Bob Beveridge (52) who now lives in Falkland, has been writing detective stories as a hobby for the past two years. Now his anecdotes have been compiled into a book entitled Inspector Archie Murdoch Investigates.

One year ago

Families in Tayside and Fife have been left scrambling to save their holidays after the collapse of Thomas Cook. Talks to secure £200 million to save the travel firm fell through, condemning up to 9,000 British jobs. Among those stranded abroad is the Junka family, from Perth. They flew to Majorca on Sunday and were set to return later this week. Rafal Junka said no one has told them what is happening. He said: “We don’t have any confirmation or information about the flight back or the transfer to the airport. We are very nervous.”