THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Hundreds of intending Dundee holiday makers were disappointed yesterday, and the possibilities are that thousands will find themselves stranded today. In view of the Autumn Holiday many of the city’s workers had made up their minds to have a long weekend holiday out of town, but they were reckoning without the travelling facilities available. The Railway Companies issued timely warning to citizens that owing to the serious scarcity of coal no special or duplicate trains could be run.

50 years ago

All his life Mr James Meldrum of Kirkcaldy had three burning ambitions – to own his own business, his own house and have a car. Better known as the newsagent and sub-postmaster at Dunearn Drive, he has more than fulfilled these dreams. He was demobbed from the RAF in 1946 and set up business in Factory Road. He said: “There was £60 worth of stock, but the last owner left two plants in the shop window. Imagine how I felt when a few weeks later the plants died. Some omen for the future!”

25 years ago

Andy Lothian, one of the great band leaders from the Dundee dance hall era, has died at his home in the city. He had spent Sunday celebrating his 83rd birthday. Andy originally arrived in Dundee on an engagement at the Palais de Danse – and ended up as owner of the hall. Born in Glasgow, the classically-trained vocalist received his musical education at the College of Violinists. He was invited to play in the orchestra at a Glasgow cinema, where a safe career seemed secure.

One year ago

More vandalism to Fife’s rail network caused chaos for travellers. Cables were cut near North Queensferry, nine days after a similar incident in the area. Frustrated commuters saw train services cancelled and revised as engineers carried out emergency repairs. Services on the Fife Circle and between Edinburgh and Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen were affected. Transport Minister Humza Yousaf warned the vandals had put their own as well as others’ lives at risk.