THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Eleven British soldiers landed at a British port yesterday, all of whom had escaped during the last fortnight from internment camps in Germany. In most cases, they had escaped in couples, but in one instance there were three together and all had the same tale to tell of German brutality towards their prisoners of war. The men corroborated the stories recently told of dogs kept in camps to harass the prisoners and at one camp dogs were maliciously set at prisoners to bite them.

50 years ago

One of Perth’s major tourist attractions – the Scottish country dances run every week during the summer in the City Hall – has been saved by local action. The dances were formerly run by New Cavendish Promotions Ltd, who recently gave up their bookings. Mrs Anne Wishart, MC for the past 15 years, had already begun to recieve enquiries about dates from tour organisers, clubs in England and enthusiasts from all over the world. Now the dances will be carried on by the Gowrie Group.

25 years ago

A skin patch to help people quit smoking is available on prescription in Britain for the first time today. The patch – which looks like a large, round sticking plaster – delivers nicotine through the skin and into the bloodstream, cutting down cravings for cigarettes. It can be worn on the upper arm and replaced every day for a 12-week course of treatment. The Nicotinell patches are available in three strengths – so smokers can be gradually weaned off their addiction.

One year ago

A Dundee butcher is hoping to break a world record for the largest number of sausages produced in a minute. Dave Patterson, who works at Yorkes in the Hilltown, will go head to head with an Aberdeen butcher in an effort to smash the current Guinness world record of 44 sausages linked in 60 seconds. The exact number Dave is aiming for is being kept under wraps until the big day but he hinted that he has already broken the record by a large margin during his practice runs.