THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

The question of the liability of the heritors of the parish of Arbroath for the upkeep of the manse was yesterday raised at a meeting of heritors called to consider the raising of an assessment to meet arrears in expenditure on the manse and offices. Ex-Provost Alexander pointed out that when the late Rev. James Thomson applied for a glebe the Court of Session decided that the parish was a burghal parish. If that was so, had that decision, he asked, any application to the present case?

50 years ago

A minor form of eye infection has swept through Lawside Academy, Dundee, during the past 10 days, affecting about 50 pupils each day. The senior Depute Director of Education Mr J.J. Scott, said: “There is no reason to believe the infection started at the school. However, it is not serious and the school and school health service have been doing everything possible to contain the outbreak. It first started 10 days ago and by Monday was in full swing when almost 100 pupils were affected. The pool has been closed for the sake of safety.”

25 years ago

The sale of the Letham Grange Hotel and Golf Course complex on the outskirts of Arbroath is expected to be completed within the next few days. And, once again, the future of the 350-acre estate – dubbed the Augusta of Scotland by its creator 20 years ago – appears to lie in the hands of the Far East. Last night Mr Peter Liu, the managing director of a consortium of Taiwanese businessmen, was at Letham Grange to discuss his plans with heads of staff and officials of the club and the residents’ association.

One year ago

Would-be thieves damaged an NHS mobile breast screening unit in an attempt to steal fuel in Fife. The unit was stationed at a car park in Cupar. Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker said targeting a vehicle providing such a vital service was “shameful”. She said: “So many women rely on the breast screening service and this crime would have put in jeopardy their ability to deliver their programme.” Sergeant Clark Forrest said the vehicle was unable to refuel after the attempted break in.