THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The Board of Trade Labour Gazette states that during the month of January employment in the jute trade generally continued good, the operatives being largely engaged on Government orders. The labour supply was insufficient. In the Dundee district, in which 93% of the workpeople were employed, Government orders kept the mills and factories very busy and more workers could have been employed if available. At Forfar, Arbroath and Kirkcaldy employment generally was good.

50 years ago

Police officers wearing spectacles may soon be seen in Scotland, despite opposition by the police federation. Yesterday the Scottish Police Advisory Board decided to tell Chief Constables that they can accept recruits who need glasses, subject to their eyesight being up to a standard that will not affect efficiency. They also agreed that policewomen no longer needed to resign when they married. The Scottish Secretary, William Ross, chairman of the board, heard the objections to both proposals.

25 years ago

Controversy raged yet again over Dundee’s waterfront development yesterday when representatives of the Dundee Partnership admitted to councillors that RRS Discovery could eventually be sited at Victoria Dock instead of specially-constructed Discovery Quay. They also admitted that provision has been made in the building of the £6 million visitor centre, earmarked for the quay, so that it can be readily converted into a conference centre if the Discovery was moved from the site.

One year ago

Fears drivers ignoring one-way signs will cause an accident during roadworks at Guardbridge have prompted a warning from police. Motorists have reported meeting vehicles going the wrong way on the rural road between the village and Balmullo. The route is one-way while Main Street is shut for eight weeks with a seven-mile diversion for those travelling between St Andrews and Dundee to allow a pipe to be laid to carry hot water from a biomass boiler to heat university buildings.