THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Forfar Factory Workers’ Union continues to prosper. From the reports submitted to the annual meeting of the members, it appeared there had been a gain in membership during the year of 63, and a financial surplus on the year’s working of £372. The funds of the Union now amount to £7,873. From the factory gate weekly collections over 1,100 5s postal orders have been sent to men on active service. Ex-Bailie Killacky was reappointed president.

50 years ago

One of the commonest characteristics of many Scots was the pleasure derived from complaining, said Mr Robin McLellan, vice-president of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, at a chamber meeting. “If this unhappy state of mind could be confined within our own borders, it might be accepted as a local peculiarity...but bad news travels. Our grumbles are heard south of the border. It is not insignificant that one of our best loved Scots birds is the grouse.”

25 years ago

A British Rail driver escaped almost certain death after a brick thrown from a footbridge smashed into the windscreen of an InterCity express travelling at 90mph as it approached Broughty Ferry, Dundee – but failed to crash through into his cab. Glasgow driver John McKenzie was said to be very badly shaken, although unhurt. The brick was thrown from the footbridge near Balmossie Halt, on the border between the city suburbs of Broughty Ferry and Monifieth.

One year ago

A consultation over Perth health services has been slammed by a leading mental health charity. Amid fears that cuts to mental health services in the city could have “devastating” consequences, charity PLUS Perth revealed survey findings showing most of its service users have no faith in the talks. Almost 90% of respondents said they do not agree with the proposal by the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership to centralise acute mental health provision in Carseview, Dundee.