50 years ago

Dundee CID were last night probing a jute fire at the Wallace Craigie Works in Broughty Ferry Road. Police were called shortly after the blaze was discovered in William Halley and Sons’ third floor dressing flat.

The fire broke out shortly after 8pm, not long after the dressing shift had ceased work. When the fire brigade arrived flames were leaping through the roof and the building had to be evacuated.

The damage to the premises was described as “slight”. Although an evening shift of around 100 – mainly women – had to be sent home, the normal night shift was able to resume working last night.