THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Unsettled English property valued at £47,796 gross was left by Princess Alexis Dolgorouki, of Braemar Castle, Braemar, widow of Prince Alexis Dolgorouki, formerly Chamberlain to the Czar. In her will she directed that after her death a vein in her body should be opened and every other possible means taken to ascertain that her life was actually extinct and she was “not in a trance.” The will and codicil contains long lists of friends to whom souvenirs were to be presented, including Queen Alexandra.

50 years ago

A former Scottish motor cycle champion was thrown from his machine against a wall and killed yesterday while taking part in a trials event near the Perthshire village of Fowlis Wester. Jack Duncan (36) of Brechin was competing in an event organised by Perth and District Motor Club. He had completed a section of the trials in enclosed grounds near the village and was leading a group of about a dozen riders. Mr Duncan was married with one son who was born last year.

25 years ago

Perth Prison, a maximum security jail, is to have some of its cell walls painted in pastel shades and metal bars removed from its windows in a bid to cut its high suicide rates. Depressed inmates will soon find themselves locked in a pale pink room with their own private toilet and sink and reinforced glass windows. It is hoped four such cells will be ready within the next few months. Prison staff say they have consulted psychological experts about the most relaxing type of cell they can offer their “at risk” inmates

One year ago

The Tayside business community rallied together yesterday to support hundreds of workers who lost their jobs in two company collapses. Employers and support organisations attended a Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (Pace) event at Apex City Quay in Dundee to offer jobs and advice to people who were made redundant when Mcgill and Land & Building Services went into administration. More than 50 jobs were being advertised at the various stalls at the event.