News in brief

At least 856 former pupils of Stirling schools were members of the armed services.

The figure was revealed by Stirling School board chairman William Brown. It was not a definitive list and it was likely that more names would be added.

The services personnel were drawn from High School and Primary High, 220; Allan’s, 2010; Grays, 162; Territorial, 161; and St Ninians, 103. Mr Brown described the figure as very creditable and expressed the hope that a considerable number more young men would follow the excellent example set.

He regretted that 22 former pupils had made the ultimate sacrifice and read out the names of the dead. A roll of honour would be prepared.

Six members of staff were also serving with the Imperial Army.

Stirling Cooperage received from the Army an order for 200 barrels to be used in the construction of pontoon bridges.

It also emerged that the military authorities had spent £ 6000 on improvements to Cambusbarron Mills. It was still being used as billets for large numbers of troops.

While the war had driven prices up in Stirling, the cost of living was just as high in Callander, where a 4lb loaf would set you back 9d and gas cost six shillings per thousand feet.

Stirling Town Council lamplighters were awarded a war bonus after an oversight by the authority. Councillors were told that in August 1913 burgh workmen’s wages increased from 23 shillings and six pence a week to 25 shillings a week.

The rise applied only in the winter season as it was for the lighting of the burgh lamps. However, the 1/6 had not been deducted at the send of the lighting season the year before.

Councillors decided that under the circumstances the wages should remain at 25s a week.