THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The Caledonian Railway Company are making gratifying improvements on their train services from the beginning of June. Although the service is not yet back to pre-war standard, the improvements mark a considerable advance in that direction. By running the trains express between Dundee and Perth, the journeys by four of the existing services between Dundee and Glasgow will be shortened by about half an hour. A daily connection is to be given from Dundee to Alyth by the 11.30am train.

50 years ago

The Assembly was told by the Rev George Balls, Saltcoats, that there is no doubt within the Kirk and within the Scottish community that British Standard Time was an abomination and the sooner it was scrapped the better everyone in Scotland would be pleased. The Assembly agreed that, on the evidence of the effect of BST in winter presented by the Presbyteries, they should urge the Government to reconsider the arrangement as it applies to Scotland. The Queen was present at the Assembly.

25 years ago

A Chinese farmer who jumped into the polar bear enclosure at Beijing Zoo was grabbed by one of the animals and dipped repeatedly into a pool “like someone washing a chicken” a Chinese newspaper reported. Li Rongxing, 24, clambered over a five-yard wall to enter the cage, saying he wanted to star in a film about the bears. “Li began singing and trying to stir them up,” witnesses said. Zookeepers were able to distract the bears and lure them back to their cages. Li was removed with scratches and teeth marks.

One year ago

A row has broken out after redundant “eyesore” gasholders in Fife were given B-listed status. The pair of hulking structures in Dunfermline could attract a near-seven-figure maintenance bill if they are not torn down. Owner SGN fears they could become unsustainable but heritage watchdog Historic Environment Scotland has deemed them worthy of retention and given them extra planning protection. The company has appealed to the Scottish Government for a reversal of the decision.