THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The visit of a battalion of Canadian Highlanders to New York for recruiting purposes has roused the city to a pitch of enthusiasm rarely attained and all the newspapers published glowing accounts of the great reception accorded the “kilties”. One said: “It would be difficult to find more spirit in any welcoming cerememony than was observed when the Highlanders in their kilts, their plaids, their brooches and their feathered bonnets marched up Broadway while their pipes sounded.”

50 years ago

A scheme which will give Perth railway station a £90,000 face-lift was announced by British Rail yesterday. Although it will be smaller than it is at present – five platforms instead of nine – the redevloped station will be more efficient and its appearance will be very much in the modern style. British Rail say that changes in train services over the years, together with the impending closure of the Strathmore line, have made a complete rethinking necessary.

25 years ago

Five Dundee sisters were busy catching up on 40 years of news at their brother’s house in Birkhill yesterday after coming from all over the world for a family reunion. The last time Betty Gilfeather (80), Kathy Grewar (78), May Simpson (65), Sally Neill (63) and Eileen Small (60) were together was at Sally’s wedding in 1942. Since then they have spread their wings. May and Kathy live in Australia, Sally in the USA, Eileen in Aberdeen and Betty still in Dundee. The sisters keep in touch by letters and video.

One year ago

Perth is getting ready for its first ever military tattoo. Bosses at the Edinburgh Castle spectacular have confirmed they will visit the Fair City for a one-off performance. Around 400 performers will take part in the event to mark the 750th anniversary of the Treaty of Perth. The procession will form at the South Inch and will be led into the city centre by local bands and youth groups. Elements of the Edinburgh show will perform a mini-tattoo, offering a 50-minute sample of the pageant.