THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Mr Alex Duncan, 88 Hilltown, Dundee, has two sons, Melville and Alexander, serving in the navy. Both took part in the great battle off Jutland and both fortunately came out of unscathed. The gallant seamen have sent home brief but very interesting communications to their parents, informing them of their safety. Melville, who is on HMS Lion, writes: “No doubt you have heard of the sea battle. Well, I was one of the lucky ones who came through without a scratch. I have not heard anything of Alex.”

50 years ago

five-month-old girl was christened in the big top of Billy Smart’s Circus at Edinburgh. Camels, llamas, plumed horses and an elephant joined the international artistes in the ring for the baptismal service, conducted by the Rev. George Sangster of Murrayfield Church. The baby, Jayne Carol, is the daughter of circus tentmaster Cyril Waite and his wife Maureen, who have been with the circus since they married 12 years ago. The baby’s mother hopes her daughter will be a circus artiste.

25 years ago

Primary Six and Seven pupils from Charleston did their school and Dundee proud when they won a general knowledge quiz on the TV programme Top Banana. The 30 youngsters, dressed in octocentenary T-shirts, beat off the challenges from a Bristol school and a Hampshire dancing school. Their prize, following the theme of the show, was a large banana-shaped plaque which will be engraved before going on display at the school. Teacher Mrs Gina Campbell accompanied the pupils.

One year ago

Visitors to Highland Perthshire could soon be able to stay in the country’s most unusual tourist accommodation – a former Second World War high security prisoner of war (PoW) camp. In a near £600,000 project, the Comrie Development Trust hopes to convert and refurbish 10 B-listed Nissen huts at Cultybraggan camp to create self-catering and bunkhouse accommodation. The bestpreserved PoW camp in Scotland, the move is seen as retaining a significant piece of heritage.