THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A vivid personal narrative of the fighting around Cambrai and the part played by Scottish troops is that of an officer of the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, who has been on staff work with the army of Sir Julian Byng, and was responsible for seeing that the timetable was adhered to during the attack of the Highland troops on Flesquieres ridge and village. He said: “The fight was unusually violent. Our infantry broke like an avalanche over the enemy positions sweeping away resistance.”

50 years ago

Mrs Marjory Doyle, Broughty Ferry, and her 21-year-old daughter Lesley both received diplomas in commerce for teachers at Dundee College of Technology graduation ceremony. For three years they studied in the same classes at the “Tech” and worked together at home in the evenings. Mrs Doyle, a widow, was a bookkeeper with NCR when she decided to take the course. She had to study for two years first to get Highers. Then Lesley decided to do the same course.

25 years ago

The Queen spoke from the heart about the distress felt by the Royal Family in a year of scandal and turmoil. She dubbed 1992 “Annus Horribilis” – literally a horrible year – but acknowledged that the monarchy should not be above criticism. She effectively pleaded for a fairer hearing from the Press and the public with a pledge to work for change while maintaining the institution’s stability and continuity. The Queen’s frank and personal message came in a speech at the Guildhall in London.

One year ago

T in the Park’s decision to pull the plug on Perthshire is “seriously bad news” for the economy, it has been claimed. Organisers DF Concerts announced the festival would take a year-long break in the wake of problems since its move to Strathallan Estate. The switch has led to speculation it may never return to the area. Latest analysis showed it brought £2.7m to the local economy. The announcement reignited the row over £150,000 in Scottish Government cash being handed to the festival.