THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Questions of relevancy and competency will be discussed at Cupar on June 3 in connection with the interdict action raised by Archibald Walker, writer, Auchtermuchty against the Town Council of Auchtermuchty. The pursuer states he is the proprietor of various properties in the burgh and that he is entitled to a water supply for domestic and ordinary purposes for all his properties and that for some years past the supply has been very occasional and unsatisfactory.

50 years ago

To obtain a brand new car for 14s 5d seems impossible, but it is happening to Mr A. Mackenzie Taylor, under a clause in his AA insurance policy. This was taken out in respect of a Humber Sceptre Mark II which was destroyed five weeks later in a fire. A special damages clause (costing £14 5s) entitled him to a replacement vehicle of the same model if his car was extensively damaged in the first year. The Mark II is out of production and so he will take delivery of the latest Mark III.

25 years ago

Gleneagles Hotel staged a version of Who’s Who when a galaxy of celebrities joined forces at the venue for the official opening of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Monarch’s course. Not even the torrential rain which fell throughout the day could dampen the spirits of the 2,500 spectators who roamed the £5 million course with umbrellas in one hand and autograph books in the other. The course was given the royal seal of approval by the Duke of York, who partnered Jack, Sean Connery and Jackie Stewart.

One year ago

A seven-year-old child was made to crawl through a subterranean tunnel to clear the way for a raid on Blackford Parish Church. Modernday Fagin Andrew Park forced the youngster to scrabble through the dirt and open a trapdoor into the church in February. Park then ransacked the building, leaving a trail of destruction and stealing thousands of pounds-worth of metal items. Dundee Sheriff Court heard yesterday how the child has been left traumatised by the experience.