THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

In Forfarshire farming circles the news will be received with regret of the death in action of Mr D. Taylor, third son of the late Mr Wm Taylor, farmer, Raesmill. Mr Taylor, who was a gunner in the SAHA, visited his native district only a month or so ago, renewing his acquaintance with many of his old friends. Educated at Arbroath HS, he served his apprenticeship with Messrs Websters & Littlejohn, Arbroath. Afterwards he proceeded to Edinburgh and was in a law office there.

50 years ago

The winner of the 100-mile Manx Air Derby was the oldest competitor, company director Mr Norman Jones, 62, accompanied by his Jack Russell terrier Dickie – a veteran “aviator” with many flying hours to his credit. Mr Jones, of Claygate, Surrey said: “He is very good. When we are flying low he likes to watch the houses go by, but when we are high he goes to sleep.” One aircraft sliced through two 3,300 volt high tension electricity cables and carried on, apparently undamaged.

25 years ago

Over £1 million has been raised so far at the sale at Fingask Castle, Rait. On what is the second day of the three-day sale, auctioneers Christie’s remarked on how the bidding had exceed their estimated target for the three days of £600,000. A record price of £41,800 was paid for a rare silver dog collar. It is engraved with the Royal Arms of Scotland and inscribed “Collar of an Italian Greyhound presented to Lady Threepland (sic) by Prince Charles Edward Stuart, year 1750.”

One year ago

Plans to shine a light on the iconic remains of St Andrews Cathedral have caused a flap amid fears it could affect owls. The town’s community council has expressed concern the £195,000 LED lights could turn the burial ground into a “fairground”. The proposal by St Andrews Partnership would see the famous ruins lit up for the first time in a decade. But Penny Uprichard, convener of the CC’s planning committee, claimed the lights would have “a detrimental impact on owls.”