THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The White Star liner Justicia was torpedoed and sunk by a submarine off the North Irish coast on Saturday morning. The Justicia, which carried a crew of between 600 and 700, 11 of whom were killed, was formerly the Statendam and was built at Belfast. According the members of the crew, the liner was first attacked on Friday afternoon when a terrific explosion shook the vessel from end to end. The sea was calm. Not the slightest panic ensued and the damage then was minimal.

50 years ago

Every year there is a rush to get to Leven’s caravan site on the Links. But one part of the site is fast becoming unpopular. Caravanners who have been unlucky enough to get a berth in the north corner have been wondering lately if they have been dumped in the middle of a golf course. So far this season, three vehicles have been struck 23 times by golf balls in “Dented Lane”. The north corner of the site is alongside the third fairway of the golf course and the caravans are within perfect “slicing distance”.

25 years ago

Three highly poisonous African scorpions escaped from a Scottish magician’s van during a bungled robbery, causing a popular tourist beach on the Spanish Costa Brava to be sealed off, police said. Thieves broke into the parked van of conjuror Kali Kalini, but fled in horror when they discovered it was full of snakes, spiders and the lethal scorpions. One of the scorpions was captured but the other two are still at large. A special antidote has been flown in from Algeria in case anyone is stung.

One year ago

New plans for a historic Highland Perthshire castle could hold the key to its future. After unsuccessful schemes to transform Taymouth Castle near Kenmore into a fivestar luxury hotel, a new project to build 23 smaller hotel suites has been passed by Perth and Kinross Council. It is a major boost to the local community which has eagerly awaited the completion of the resort, associated golf course and spa. Residents had feared promises of a tourism bonanza would not come to fruition.