THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A sad blow has befallen a Kelty family. Mr John Adamson, 29 Naismyth Place, has been informed of the death in action of two of his sons, Gunner David Adamson (24) RGA, and Private John Adamson (22), Gordon Highlanders. They were killed with a fortnight of each other. A third son, Private Thomas Adamson, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, was discharged after 12 months with the colours. He afterwards volunteered for service with the British Red Cross in France, but was again discharged.

50 years ago

Sellers, aged 13, will always remember the afternoon his fishing line was fouled on the edge of the pier. Jack, of Mid Craigie, was fishing from the Eastern Wharf, when his line stuck. He moved forward to free it, and tripped over a rope into the Tay. Later, at home, after a hot bath, he said: “I didn’t see the rope and after I tripped I balanced on the edge for a couple of seconds, then fell in. I’m quite a good swimmer, and just swam back to the wall. There were metal bolts to climb up on.”

25 years ago

Hopes for the retention of the search and rescue helicopter flight at RAF Leuchars have plummeted. An internal Ministry of Defence review has vetoed the allocation of new Sea King helicopters to replace the ageing Wessexs at the Leuchars base. News of the decision has come as a bolt from the blue for those fighting to save the search and rescue flight. North Tayside MP Bill Walker has launched acampaign to fight the latest threat and Tayside Mountain Rescue have voiced concerns.

One year ago

Tricia Marwick has rejected an honour from the Queen, The Courier can reveal. Holyrood’s first female Presiding Officer, a Fife MSP until May, knocked back advances despite the UK Government being eager for her to b e recognised for her service. The former SNP member said the system has been “devalued” by certain awards. Ms Marwick said: “I would be a hypocrite to now accept an honour when I have opposed the honours system all my