THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

In pre-war days the flower show at Springfield was the attraction for Dundee holiday folks. The horticulturalists have ceased their competitions for the moment and turned their attention to assisting in raising money for war funds. Col. the Hon. Thomas Cochrane and Lady Gertrude Cochrane of Crawford Priory have been loyal supporters of all Springfield’s efforts and again they gave their beautiful grounds for a fete, the object of which was to raise funds for parcels for local men.

50 years ago

A record sum of £350,000 has been withdrawn by its customers from Dundee Savings Bank just in time for the holiday spending spree. Just before the break in the last two years, the money withdrawn was £330,000. The figures are excess withdrawals over deposists since July 1. Another record is the Savings Bank’s applications received from customers for foreign currency and travellers’ cheques – principally for holidays in Spain, Italy and France.

25 years ago

Karen Carrick, the controversial leader of the administration on Kirkcaldy District Council, has announced her resignation as leader. Just 10 days after hanging on to the post by winning a vote of confidence by only one vote, Ms Carrick (32) made her surprise announcement in a statement to The Courier. In it she expressed disillusion with the Labour Party and accused the party’s Scottish Council of asking her to resign without investigating allegations against her.

One year ago

A former power station in Kirkcaldy is up for sale for the nominal sum of just £1. The snag for potential purchasers is they must have a development plan which incorporates the building’s historic frontage – which could cost millions. The Victoria Power Station site on Victoria Road has been earmarked for ambitious plans as part of Kirkcaldy’s charrette and only serious bidders will be considered. The B-listed former electricity power plant has lain empty for more than 80 years.