THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Captain Wood, who has been made an OBE, has been harbourmaster for about quarter of a century at Methil. During that period, he has seen extensive additions to the docks which have now become the largest coal exporting port in Scotland. The honour has been conferred for his services in connection with the war. At Methil the outer boom defences for the Firth of Forth were erected and controlled and there the convoys for foreign ports were successfully organised.

50 years ago

First trials of a nuclear-powered heart pacemaker are taking place in Glasgow. It has been implanted in an Alsatian dog named Pluto. The operation was performed by a team of scientists from Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Doctors and scientists collaborating in the experiment are now carrying out tests to assess the pacemaker’s performance and reliability. A spokesman said that the pacemaker would probably be left in the dog indefinitely. A decision has yet to be taken on the use of the new pacemaker in humans.

25 years ago

This weekend marks the end of an era for the Carolina House Trust in Dundee, which is officially closing its children’s home after 180 years. Thousands of children have cause to thank the home which was originally situated in Broughty Ferry Road until it moved to new premises in Strathmore Avenue. Even though the final resident has now left, the work of the Trust will go on, according to executive director Clive Wood. As approaches to childcare have changed, children’s homes have become less relevant.

One year ago

New free personal care legislation Frank’s Law comes into force today, following an arduous six-year fight by the widow of former Dundee United footballer Frank Kopel. The legal change extends free personal care for those with debilitating conditions to under-65s in Scotland with The Courier throwing its weight behind the campaign after dementia-sufferer Frank died in 2014. The movement eventually secured the cross-party support it required to ensure new legislation would be brought in.