THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

“The history of allotments in 1917 was one of the phenomena of the war,” said Mr Robert Munro, Secretary for Scotland, speaking in Edinburgh at the annual meeting of the Scottish Smallholders’ Organisation. Mr Munro, proceeding to review the progress of allotments, said it was computed that at the end of last year there were something like 30,000 allotment-holders throughout the country. They had increased the food supply of the country most usefully and successfully.

50 years ago

Fire destroyed straw valued at about £1,500 and a dutch barn at Dalbeath Farm, on the western boundary of Cowdenbeath. There were 120 tons of baled straw in the barn. Units from Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline, Lochgelly and Kirkcaldy took it in turn to keep a watch on the straw as it had been decided to let it burn out completely. Dalbeath is farmed by Mr John Lamont. Grass fires in the Dunfermline area are still plaguing Dunfermline firemen. They were called out to 10 over the weekend.

25 years ago

The twin winding towers of the former Rothes Colliery which dominate the Fife skyline near Glenrothes will soon disappear. The pit – hailed as the most modern in Britain and the reason behind building Glenrothes – closed within a few years, unable to overcome a succession of problems caused by flooding and geological faults. More than 30 years later the twin structures still tower above Thornton. However, later this month they are scheduled to be demolished.

One year ago

Fife planners have been accused of “perverse logic” and ignoring the local community as a row over Rosyth waterfront escalates. Scarborough Muir Group’s plan, which could generate 5,000 jobs and create homes, leisure and business opportunities, looked dead in the water when the FIFEplan recommended the area be used solely for employment. Depute leader Lesley Laird produced evidence the council wanted the area to be considered for a broad range of uses.