THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The pacifist poison is spreading to an alarming extent in Scotland. There are all kinds of insidious plotting and innumerable subtleties in this vile campaign. Vast quantities of pernicious literature are being scattered amongst the working classes. Some of it contains drawings and cartoons calculated to harrow the feelings of the women, especially those who have suffered. Speakers and writers are posing as “friends of the people” and yet are really “friends of the foe.”

50 years ago

The possibility of reducing the size of Arbroath’s outdoor swimming pool, so that it could be heated and would attract championship galas, is to be investigated by the Baths Committee. The idea was put forward by Bailie Thornton. Dean of Guild H.A. Farmer, as convener, said the idea of heating the pool was to attract more people. If they reduced the size, where were the people to go? Mr W. Dakers, baths superintendent said: “Even if you reduce the pool, there would still be plenty of room for swimming.”

25 years ago

Armed raiders escaped with a haul of money after holding up a security van in Kirkcaldy yesterday. The robbery happened around 4.45pm when a Security Express “Cash in Transit” van arrived at the rear of the Mercat Shopping Centre to attend to Boots the Chemist. It is understood three men held two guards at gunpoint and bundled them into the back of the van where they were tied up. They were driven to a spot near Cowdenbeath where the raiders escaped with an unknown sum.

One year ago

Precious artefacts linking Perthshire to a royal Pictish dynasty have gone on display. The Tay Landscape Partnership has been working with Forteviot Parish Church to conserve and restore several locally significant Pictish stones, and a dedication service and unveiling was held in the church. Recent work by Glasgow University’s Strathearn Environs and Royal Forteviot Project (Serf) has helped reveal Forteviot’s past as a major Pictish royal centre.