THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago The sale of two bottles of port on credit led to the appearance in Forfar Sheriff Court yesterday of Henry Tait, licensed grocer, Forfar, on a charge of having contravened the Order of the Liquor Traffic Control Board. He was charged with having, in his premises at 121 East High Street, sold the port to a woman living in North Street, without the liquor having been paid for before or at the time it was supplied. His explanation was that the port must have been in the rush of Christmas business.

50 years ago

A restaurant manageress, a dental nurse, three teenage clerkesses and a mother of three were auditioned in the JM Ballroom, Dundee. All were hopefuls for the spot of resident vocalist with the Ron Beaton Orchestra at the JM. After listening to the auditions, Ron Beaton said: “We are not making a final decision just yet, but obviously there’s plenty of talent in Dundee.” Those taking part were Kay Love, Irene Gibson, Sheena Cairns, Frances Donnley, and Elsa Holland. A sixth girl also took part.

25 years ago

The Civil Service Club in Perth Road, Dundee, was seriously damaged by a blaze which swept through the premises causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. The fire began in the bar of the ballroom on the groundfloor shortly after midnight. It is thought to have been caused by a cigarette which had not been stubbed out properly. The bar was completely gutted and the flames spread up through the ceiling to a first-floor bathroom which was also extensively damaged.

One year ago

Grave robbers have partially dug up a grave in a shocking act of vandalism. They dug down into the 200-year-old grave, cutting through skeletal remains and dumping fragments of bone in soil on the surface. Police in Fife are appealing for witnesses following the incident. The excavation took place sometime last week at the cemetery in Kilrenny. The grave belongs to Stephen Williamson, who was a local shipowner, farmer and magistrate in the East Neuk who died in 1816.