THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A unique event in the history of Dundee City Police Force took place in the drill hall yesterday. It was a parade of special constables for the presentation of badges to symbolise the public service they are rendering at the present time. The men were marshalled by Deputy Chief Constable Davidson and the parade state showed 156 men who are still “carrying on” as special constables and 150 who had previously served. They were thanked for the service they had given.

50 years ago

A 37-year-old American management consultant working in England brought his wife and family to Scotland for Christmas, hoping to see some snow. And this week he got more than he bargained for. For on his way back to Blairgowrie after a day’s touring in the Cairngorms, he ran into a blizzard a mile above the Devil’s Elbow and was stranded. Mr Robert Fischer, who was with wife Virginia and their four children, described his night in Glenshee as an “unforgettable experience”.

25 years ago

Scotland’s mountain rescue teams were stretched to the limit yesterday with separate missions in bitterly-cold conditions. In the Cairngorms an elderly couple were reported to be in difficulty by other walkers at Loch Avon. Elsewhere, two climbers were to be picked up and then three others on the south side of the Cairngorms were reported to be in difficulty. On Bynack Mor, a man fell 40 feet while climbing with a companion, while in Skye a female hillwalker slipped and fell.

One year ago

There have been more than 700 safety incidents on the Queensferry Crossing since work started in 2011, it has been revealed. Of the 730 reports, the most serious happened last April when workman John Cousin died as he directed a crane on the north tower of the bridge. However, many incidents revealed under a Freedom of Information request were minor, including a finger cut by a cracked cup and a wasp sting. Nearly half – 329 – were classed as “near misses”.