THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

An alarming fire occurred yesterday at Pitfirrane House, near Dunfermline, a baronial mansion which has been the residence of the Halkett family for centuries. The outbreak originated in an apartment used as an oil store forming part of the kitchen and laundry wing of the house. Within a short time the fire had made such progress that it was feared that the whole pile might become a prey to the flames. The fire brigade were able to bring the flames under control after about an hour.

50 years ago

John Squires, 36, explained that appearances could be deceptive when he appeared in court in Ontario, on a charge of careless driving. He said his car weaved across a main road centre line because it had defective steering. His unsteady walk was caused by a dislocated bone in his hip and his short fingernails explained the delay in taking his licence out of his wallet. He added that he fell asleep during police questioning because he was tired after working all day. The charge was dismissed.

25 years ago

After more than 25 years of bowling, Mrs Jean Bruce has landed a place on the Scottish team to compete at the first International Deaf Bowling Championship in Australia. Mrs Bruce of Dundee will fly to Melbourne on December 27 to prepare for the tournament which runs from January 3 to 12. Once there, she and five others will compete against other countries. Mrs Bruce bowls at the club for the deaf at Roseangle. “I’m very excited about going to Australia,” she said.

One year ago

After more than 20 years of “rolling a boulder up a mountain of bureaucracy”, work will soon begin on a sprawling 1,500 home development near Bridge of Earn. GS Brown Construction chairman Geoff Brown last night revealed builders are ready to begin work on the Oudenarde village. “We have reached our goal at last,” Mr Brown said. He first took an interest in the site, which was formerly home to Bridge of Earn Hospital, in 1996. Phased work should start in the new year.