THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

It was a cordial welcome which was extended by the people of Dunfermline to the Princess of Battenburg on Saturday. Shortly after their honeymoon Her Serene Highness and Prince George took up residence at the beautiful estate of Keavil, near Dunfermline. The Princess made her first public appearance in the city. The occasion was the opening of a cafe chantant and sale organised to provide comforts for the men of the local territorial battalion of the Black Watch now on active service.

50 years ago

The reluctant debutante, the German coaster Duburg, again refused to leave the slipway at the Hall, Russell & Co. Ltd yard at Aberdeen yesterday. She moved only six inches after her naming ceremony and refused to budge for any amount of coaxing. The 6,000-ton Duburg attempted to take the water yesterday, but she failed to move again, even after 15 minutes of concentrated work by engineers. Frost was blamed for the hitch, but although braziers were used all day, the ship was still high and dry.

25 years ago

Canadian businessman Mr RonDixon refused to confirm or deny suggestions that he had been successful in acquiring control of Dundee Football Club. Mr Dixon announced earlier in the year that he was keen to win a stake in the club but he declined to comment on rumours of a successful bid last night. Speaking from Canada, Mr Dixon said he would respect an undertaking not to make any public comment on the matter, but he would not reveal who had asked him to make such an undertaking.

One year ago

Never mind the winter break being proposed as part of the League Cup revamp, former Dundee United boss Peter Houston insists Scottish football should go the whole hog and move to a summer season. The reshaping of the cup format means competitive football kicking off in July, allowing for time off in January, but the changes do not go far enough for Houston. Houston, now in charge of Falkirk, admits he would have taken a more traditional approach a few years ago.