THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

A well-known member of the Dundee jute trade has passed away in Mr George R Thom of Newport. Mr Thom, who was about 60 years of age, took seriously ill several weeks ago, and although he rallied somewhat, a relapse occurred and Mr Tom died yesterday. As a young man his energies and capabilities attracted the attention of his employees and when he was but 20 years of age he was appointed as the firm’s representative in Calcutta. He acted in that capacity for many years.

50 years ago

In a steady stream holidaymakers left Scotland last night – the eve of the annual holiday fortnight. By train, plane, bus and car, the sunseekers made their way out of the city. The streets were quiet but there was plenty of activity at Tay Bridge Station. “Things have been going very smoothly,” said a railway official. The busiest trains were those going to Glasgow – taking the holidaymakers on the first stage of their journeys to the north west of England and the Isle of Man.

25 years ago

Tayside Region’s water services department is to check the seal on a manhole cover at Dundee Railway Station to ensure the stench from the city’s sewage system will not be the first thing to greet travellers discovering Dundee again. At the weekend, rail passengers leaving the station were stopped in their tracks not by the magnificent views of the Tay and its two bridges but a distinctly noxious niff wafting around the forecourt. The unpleasant aroma may have been made worse by the humid weather.

One year ago

The East Neuk can prepare for a tourism boost following the unveiling of a new ferry link across the Forth. The new Forth Ferry service between Anstruther and North Berwick will launch next month. It will provide a 45-minute crossing to East Lothian, replacing the current two-hour drive. Primarily aimed at tourists, the venture will be operated on selected days by Seafari Adventures and the Scottish Seabird Centre. It is hoped the links will benefit both areas.