THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The people of Dundee – as well as the inhabitants of Broughty Ferry, for they will also be affected – are anticipating the approaching strike of bakers with anything but happy feelings. They are hoping that before the strike begins some amicable settlement of the difference between the employers and their employees will be found. To some extent, Newport and other places on the other side of the river will also be affected as they are supplied with a large quantity of bread from Dundee.

50 years ago

A pair of swans which live in the Tayport harbour area have “adopted” a baby goose. The gosling is about two months old. SSPCA inspector Mr Angus Macdougall has seen “the little family” for himself and said: “This is most unusual. I’ve never heard of swans adopting a family before.” When he saw them the male swan was swimming ahead and the female was breaking up food for the gosling which was close by her. “Swans don’t have a very good repuation as parents,” he added.

25 years ago

A confused cyclist who commutes daily from Tayport to Dundee is puzzled as to just what procedure cyclists are meant to follow in crossing the Tay Road Bridge. “I myself always use the same carriageway as the cars do but have noticed quite a few people using the pedestrian walkway down the centre of the bridge and I would like to know which one of us is doing the right thing.” One of the signs directing cyclists to the walkway is lying forlorn on the central reservation.

One year ago

A Scottish islander’s incredible tale of survival at sea has proved a huge hit after landing on the sands of the Mearns coast. Drift – an art show based on the experiences of Shetland crofter Betty Mouat – unfolded at St Cyrus national nature reserve on Thursday. Show director Symon Macintyre said the location was the ideal home for the story to be told, describing it as “one of the most beautiful beaches” he had been to. Miss Mouat was 61 when she boarded the Columbine in 1886 as its only passenger.