THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Three smart-looking youths in the uniform of the Royal Air Force appeared before Hon Sheriff Osborne at Cupar yesterday on charges of stealing a two-gallon tin of petrol and breaking into the house of John Blyth, Loughborough Road, Kirkcaldy and stealing what the fiscal described as “an immense quantity of stuff valued at £130”. The whole affair was a foolish escapade conceived in a spirit of adventure, said solicitor JP Guthrie. The petrol was taken with the view of having a trip in a motorboat lying in the harbour.

50 years ago

Naval ratings accused at Rosyth of mutiny had been too drunk to be capable of such an offence, Mr Robert Henderson, counsel for three of them, said yesterday. He said the evidence would show that they were “stoned out of their minds” on the night of an alleged “sit-in” on board their minehunter HMS Iveston at Ullapool. Heavy drinking on the day of the alleged offences, in which the ship’s coxswain is said to have been struck by one man. The accused were extremely contrite and distressed by the events which took place.

25 years ago

A Dundee woman got a big surprise at the weekend when she sat down in her garden with a good book to soak up the sun. Carol Johnston, of Brook Street, Broughty Ferry, opened Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd – and discovered three crisp £10 notes sitting inside the back cover. “The book was bought away back in January for 99p at a bargain book shop, but I had only just now got round to reading it,” said Carol. She had the notes tested for authenticity, and it turned out the cash was real.

One year ago

A conservation group has called for urgent help tackling the antisocial campers blighting a Highland Perthshire beauty spot. The Loch Rannoch Conservation Association said it is dealing with the fallout from hundreds of visitors every week. The formerly remote area now has almost 100 camping locations, attracting up to 300 people and more than 100 vehicles on summer weekends. Group spokesman Steve Roworth said members are faced with litter, anti-social behaviour and tree cutting.