FROM OUR ARCHIVES

5 YEARS AGO

First Minister Alex Salmond and Finance Secretary John Swinney are expected to publish a crucial report claiming Scotland is about to enjoy “a massive North Sea oil boom”. The document, due out today, will present a dramatically higher forecast of oil revenues over the next few years than the Office for Budget Responsibility, used in UK budget calculations. The SNP’S figures will be used to underpin its case for independence, including disputed claims that Scotland could afford more comprehensive public services and more generous welfare provision while still cutting business taxes and saving up money in an oil fund.

10 YEARS AGO

Nacho Novo will miss next week’s CIS Insurance Cup final after being sent off against Hibernian yesterday. Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, was sent to the stand by referee Craig Thomson for confronting the Hibs bench following the sending-off in the 79th minute of the fifth-round Scottish Cup tie. He now awaits his fate from the SFA. Novo received a straight red for a two-footed lunge on Thierry Gatheussi and thus automatically misses the final.

25 YEARS AGO

The Government’s long-expected taking stock proposals for constitutional change now await the verdict of the Scottish people. In the Commons yesterday the plans were highly commended for reinforcing Scotland’s place in the Union by Scottish Secretary Ian Lang, and as vehemently denounced by the opposition parties as completely inadequate to meet the needs and wishes of a majority of voters.