THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A very large circle of friends in Dundee will learn with deep regret of the death of Mr John Paul, manager, Dens Works (Baxter Bros. & Co. Ltd), which occurred yesterday at the residence of his brother Mr Allan Paul, draper, Blairgowrie. Mr Paul, who was in his 64th year, had been seriously ill for some time. Forty-four years ago he entered Dens Works as a joiner and rose step by step to the position of manager. A man of a fine sympathetic nature, Mr Paul was held in high esteem by the firm.

50 years ago

A fishing expedition to the South Pier at Peterhead Harbour yesterday resulted in three young lads being brought to safety by Peterhead pilot cutter. Russell Wemyss (7) fell into the sea while fishing with his brother Colin (11), Bruce Thow (6) and James Gillespie (13). Russell cannot swim and his brother jumped in after him. Derek Stephen (13) who was fishing on the opposite side of the pier, also went to the rescue. The alarm was passed to Peterhead coastguard station.

25 years ago

Hailed as a victory by the Scotch Whisky Association, a new report from the European Commission indicates that low-alcohol whisky will be banned in 1993. According to the report, the overall whisky market in the community grew by 12.1% between 1985 and 1989, with the UK remaining the largest market and accounting for over 30% of sales. Denmark is the smallest, with only a little more than 1% of sales. Scotch whisky still dominates the market with a share of 85.4% in 1989.

One year ago

Two masked figures are being hunted by police after a family’s labour of love was deliberately set on fire. Members of Methil Boat Club have been left shocked after one of its biggest vessels was destroyed after being targeted by the arsonists. The 22ft-long Tamar 2000 lay a smouldering wreck on the Methil docks yesterday and a £500 reward for information has already been offered to members of the public by its owners. A major police investigation will be aided by CCTV footage.