THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Mrs Annie Knight, 16 Fort Street, Broughty Ferry, has received official confirmation that her son, Able Seaman Alexander Knight, is not returned amongst the saved off the Laurentic and therefore he is concluded to be drowned. Seaman Knight joined the RNVR at the beginning of the war and was in the Clyde Division when Antwerp was taken by the Germans. On his return home he was posted to the Laurentic and had formed one of the crew for about two years. He was 17 years old when he joined up.

50 years ago

A report about non-attendance of children at school was described as “depressing” and “shocking” by members of a Kirkcaldy committee yesterday. A minute by the Defaulters Sub-Committee – set up to decide what action to take in cases of persistent absenteeism from schools – showed that the parents of eight Kirkcaldy children had been before the committee, the children concerned being between nine and 14. Three of the children had had under 10 attendances during a year.

25 years ago

The historic Custom House building at Dundee Harbour– largely hidden behind a wall of scaffolding for several years – is to go on the open market in a few months. The building, which was constructed in the early 1840s, will be put up for sale shortly after Customs and Excise personnel based in the premises overlooking Dock Street move to a gleaming new office near Dundee Station. By then a £1.3m refurbishment programme centred on the building’s crumbling facade is expected to be complete.

One year ago

Sir Terry Wogan has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 77. The much-loved broadcaster passed away surrounded by his family. The veteran broadcaster, known for his velvety voice on radio and television, was one of the UK and Ireland’s best known stars. Leading figures in showbusiness and politics have paid tribute, with Prime Minister David Cameron saying he was “someone millions came to feel was their own special friend”. Sir Terry was last on air on BBC Radio 2 on November 8.