THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The managers of Dundee Technical College are at present engaged in an effort to raise £10,000. The purpose of the effort is twofold – to clear off the college debt and to prepare for expansion when the war is over. Already, £3,500 has been raised, principally from the chief textile and engineering firms in the city. When the college was opened in 1911 there had been expended for site, buildings and equipment the sum of £82,000. The government has already agreed to make a grant.

50 years ago

Sooty fans got the good news yesterday that he will be appearing on Grampian Television shortly. Harry Corbett disclosed this at the end of The Sooty Show which is being presented at Dundee Repertory Theatre this week. He said he had recently signed a contract with ITV. For followers – both young and old – of Sooty and his chums, this is a relief. There was a national outcry when the BBC did not renew his contract. The Sooty Show is ideal entertainment for children.

25 years ago

Tornado squadrons based at RAF Leuchars in Fife could be called upon to police a no-fly zone over Bosnia. It was announced yesterday that the RAF is ready to take a role in enforcing the latest United Nations resolution authorising the use of force to ensure no aircraft fly over Bosnia. If the RAF does become involved, it is likely that they will send Tornado F3 fighters, the type of aircraft used by both Leuchars squadrons. Sir Michael Graydon said the RAF was ready to do its part.

One year ago

Defence chiefs have been urged to come clean over any possible threat to corps numbers at the 45 Commando base on the edge of Arbroath. It comes after Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon refused to say if multi-billionpound budget pressures might lead to a reduction in Royal Marine numbers, impacting on the Angus base. In February, he said RM Condor’s future was “absolutely secure” when asked about potential ramifications of a basing review.